Health & Fitness

Body Pain Rises Fastest Before 55, Global Study Finds: Why You Should Not Ignore the Early Signs

Almost everyone, irrespective of age and gender experiences some kind of body pain every now and then. However, a recent study has found that pain intensity is highest before the age of 55.

Isro completes Gaganyaan crew & service module separation tests

From lifespan to healthspan: How Abu Dhabi and India can make prevention practical

New modelling suggests that eliminating modifiable health risks could add 12 years to healthy life expectancy at birth by 2050. Realising even part of this potential will require making prevention part of everyday life.

Karan Johan Doesn't Drink Coffee On Koffee With Karan. What's In His Mug?

Karan Johar does not drink black coffee. He reveals what's inside his mug on Koffee With Karan .

Visiting Bhutan? These 6 Local Foods Deserve A Spot On Your Itinerary

A travel vlogger has shared six foods that visitors should try while exploring Bhutan

Durga Puja 2026: 10 Delicious Dishes You Must Eat During The Festival

So what should you be eating during Durga Puja? There is no definite answer, because technically we eat just about everything, but then again there are a few things that become almost imperative.

Navratri 2026: 5 Delicious Vrat-Friendly Desserts To Make In 30 Mins

Navratri 2026: This Navratri complete your meal with these yummy desserts!

2.7 lakh students to appear in JKBOSE Class 10, 11, 12 exams from October 19

Singhara Atta vs Kuttu Atta: Which Keeps You Full For Longer?

Both flours are popular vrat staples, but their nutritional profiles differ. Here's what research says about which one may help keep hunger at bay for longer.

IED recovered, destroyed during anti-terror operation in Rajouri

Rajouri, Oct 16: Security forces on Friday evening recovered and destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) during an anti-terror operation in the upper reaches of Rajouri district. Officials said joint teams of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, assisted by intelligence agencies, launched the operation in the Thungwali area of Kandi in the upper reaches of the district, where an old terrorist hideout was busted. During searches at the hideout, the forces recovered an IED, which was subsequently destroyed through a controlled explosion. Search operations in the area were underway when the last reports were received.

HLL Lifecare launches eStore to expand direct-to-consumer reach

State-owned company HLL Lifecare launched HLL eStore, a digital platform aimed to expand access to its healthcare and wellness products across the country. The platform would be part of its broader digital transformation strategy, enabling customers, business partners and healthcare institutions to engage with the company through an integrated online marketplace. The eStore also offers medical products and supplies.

Raw Milk vs Micellar Water: Which Is Safer for Everyday Facial Cleansing?

Cleansing is an important step of skin care that helps remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. For centuries, raw milk was used as a natural cleanser, however, now it has a modern competitor- micellar water. We asked a dermatologist, which of these is better and safe for daily use.

Govt directs officials to avoid inappropriate language amid row over IAS officers conduct

Srinagar Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all officers and officials to maintain professional decorum, courtesy and mutual respect in official interactions, cautioning against the use of derogatory, threatening or inappropriate language. The directions have been issued through Circular No. 24-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 16, by the General Administration Department (GAD). Invoking Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, along with other service-specific provisions, the government said all employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, devotion to duty, discipline and conduct befitting public servants. The circular states that professionalism, courtesy and mutual respect must be maintained while interacting with senior officers, colleagues, subordinate staff and members of the public. Official interactions are conducted with due courtesy, restraint, dignity and mutual respect, the circular states, directing employees at all levels to adhere to these standards. The instructions apply equally to interactions between superior officers and their subordinates, officials of different ranks, and subordinate employees and their seniors. The government has emphasised that seniority and supervisory authority must be exercised responsibly and fairly, while all employees must respect lawful directions, established procedures and the responsibilities attached to their offices. It has specifically directed officials to avoid derogatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate language, as well as any conduct inconsistent with the dignity of public office. All Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Managing Directors have been directed to bring the instructions to the notice of employees under their administrative control and ensure strict compliance at all levels. The circular comes amid widespread outcry over the alleged verbal harassment of a female JKAS officer, Beenish Wani, by senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan during an official meeting. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, while the National Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognisance of the matter.

ACB registers FIR against mining officials, private persons over alleged illegal mining in Udhampur, Reasi

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against two mining officials and several private persons over alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals, overcharging and manipulation of electronic challans in Udhampur and Reasi districts. According to an ACB statement, FIR No. 09/2026 has been registered at ACB Police Station Udhampur against Rajeev Jammu, Assistant Mining Engineer, District Mining Officer Udhampur; Rameshwar Sangra, District Mining Officer Reasi; Swaran Singh Rathore and other private persons. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended, and other applicable laws. The ACB said its investigation had revealed allegations that certain private mining operators, including stone crusher operators, were extracting minor minerals beyond permissible limits and continuing mining activities after the expiry of their lease validity. Allegations have also surfaced that operators were charging rates higher than those notified by the government, manipulating or misusing e-challans and running stone crusher units beyond the validity of their mandatory Consent to Operate (CTO). The agency has alleged that certain public servants facilitated these activities in connivance with private operators. The ACB said the investigation was underway to establish the individual roles of the accused, determine the extent of alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, and assess the loss, if any, caused to the government exchequer. Searches have also been initiated at the residential and commercial premises of the accused in connection with the case. The searches and investigation are in progress, the statement said.

India needs 2.6 billion sq ft of healthcare space by 2035, says CBRE

India requires an expansion of its healthcare infrastructure with an additional 2.6 billion sq ft by 2035. This need arises due to an expected demand for nearly 2.9 million more hospital beds nationwide. Current statistics show India has only 1.6 hospital beds per 1,000 people, significantly less than the global average. Certain states face much lower hospital bed density compared to their disease burden, indicating unmet healthcare needs.

Heading To A Durga Puja Pandal? Don't Miss These 8 Iconic Bengali Dishes

Food plays a central role in the festivities, especially the traditional bhog offered to Goddess Durga. It also brings people together, with many eagerly waiting to enjoy the festive delicacies served at pandals.

Experiencing Pain During Intercourse? 5 Possible Medical Reasons Behind It

Different people experience different issues during intimacy, with intercourse pain being one of them. While it may look normal, if it happens frequently, you must consult a doctor for a detailed assessment.

Mehbooba says 'disdainful' conduct of IAS officer with woman JKAS officer 'cannot be tolerated'

Srinagar, Oct 16: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the erratic and disdainful conduct of senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan with a woman JKAS officer cannot be tolerated, and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with the Centre. Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, courted controversy after he allegedly used abusive language against Assistant Director (Employment), Ganderbal, Beenish Wani, over the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission during a review meeting earlier this week. Such erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated. CM @OmarAbdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer who is already facing allegations of issuing illegal gun licences, Mehbooba said in a post on X. Videos of the heated exchange between Ranjan and Wani surfaced on social media, drawing condemnation from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) fraternity on Thursday. The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday ordered an in-depth inquiry into the incident and appointed 2004-batch IAS officer and Commissioner-Secretary to the Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur as the inquiry officer, an official order said. She has been asked to submit her report within 15 days of the issuance of the order.

MMU launches first coordinated Friday khutbah across J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, Oct16: Initiating the drive aimed at strengthening religious awareness and addressing pressing concerns among the community, Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir (MMU) today delivered first coordinated Friday sermon across participating mosques and Imambargahs in Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Chenab Valley, Kargil and Leh, with Imaan (Faith) chosen as the first common theme. The initiative follows the decisions taken at the September 15 MMU Ulema Conference, where prominent religious scholars and representatives of various various schools of thought agreed to collectively address important religious and social issues through designated Friday sermons, district-level engagements and sustained community awareness and action plans. As part of this initiative, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, delivered the Friday sermon at the historic Khanqah of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), Alamdar-e-Kashmir, at Charar-e-Sharief, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Imaan and remaining steadfast in ones faith and principles, particularly in the face of worldly temptations, pressures and challenges. Addressing the congregation, Mirwaiz said that faith is not merely a verbal declaration but the foundation of a believers entire life, reflected in ones character, conduct, decisions and dealings with others. Referring to the Quranic injunction to believe in Allah, His Messenger and the divine light revealed through the Holy Quran, Mirwaiz said these constitute the essential foundations of faith. Belief in Allah creates a sense of accountability, following the Prophet provides moral and practical guidance, while the Quran illuminates the path of truth and righteousness. Mirwaiz particularly stressed that faith is the most precious trust bestowed upon a believer and must never be compromised for worldly interests. Pointing to the Quranic warning against exchanging divine guidance for a paltry price, he said that no amount of wealth, position, influence, personal gain or worldly favour can justify compromising ones faith, conscience or principles. A believer may live in this world and pursue its legitimate opportunities, but must never make worldly interests the price of his faith, Mirwaiz said, adding that the real test of Imaan comes when truth and personal interest, principle and expediency, or conscience and pressure come into conflict. Emphasising Istiqamat (steadfastness), Mirwaiz said that professing faith is only the beginning; remaining firm upon it through changing circumstances and difficulties is its real test. Steadfastness, he said, does not mean rigidity or confrontation, but upholding truth and principles with wisdom, patience, dignity and moral courage. Expressing concern over the challenges confronting younger generations, including materialism, misuse of social media, moral confusion and weakening religious awareness, Mirwaiz urged parents, teachers, Ulema and religious institutions to make protection and nurturing of faith a collective priority. He said young people must be encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance through knowledge, understanding and compassion. Referring to the wider MMU initiative, Mirwaiz said Imaan was deliberately chosen as the first common theme because faith is the fundamental bond that unites the Muslim Ummah, transcending differences of Maslak and religious interpretation. He said that as the Mimbar is an Amanah, Ulema and Imams must themselves exemplify the integrity and steadfastness they preach and use the pulpit to strengthen faith, guide society and bring people closer , rather than make it a source to promote division among them Besides in the current times that we live , it is all the more important to guard faith as their is a sustained assault on it and our institutions and the best way not to let these efforts succeed is if we stay firm on our imaan and united . Paying tribute to Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), Mirwaiz said that the revered saint conveyed the message of Tawheed, Imaan, spiritual purification and moral responsibility to the people of Kashmir through their own language. His teachings and Shruks remain a cherished part of Kashmirs distinct Islamic and cultural heritage. It is also a way to engage with our mother tongue and preserve and promote it in our life time and for future generations. He said that the greatest tribute to Sheikh-ul-Alam is not merely to commemorate his legacy, but to live by his teachings, preserve the faith and values he upheld, and pass them on to future generations. Mirwaiz concluded by urging people to strengthen their relationship with Allah, the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad , protect the faith of their children and remain steadfast in truth and righteousness, irrespective of the challenges and pressures they may face.

JKBOSE constitutes grievance redressal cell ahead ofannual exams

Srinagar Oct, 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has constituted a grievance-cum-monitoring cell to address examination related grievances, complaints and queries from stakeholders during the forthcoming annual examinations. The cell has been established to ensure timely redressal of the grievances and mitigate problems of the stakeholders cropping up during the course of examinations, said a board spokesman. The cell will register grievances for timely disposal and making prompt corrective interventions. It will register complaints, ensure their timely disposal,and take corrective action wherever necessary. The cell will function under the direct supervision of the Secretary, JKBOSE. BOSE has exhorted upon the centre superintendents and their supervisory staff to safeguard the integrity of the examinations and make sure these are conducted in a fair, transparent and orderly manner. The integrity and sanctity of the examinations will be safeguard at any cost, it added. The stakeholders can lodge the grievances onjsexamsjd.jkbose@jk.gov.in, 0191-2585732 (Jammu) jsexamskd.jkbose@jk.gov.in, 0194-3186762 (Kashmir)

J&K gets Rs 475.41 crore for upgradation of Jammu, Srinagar ITI clusters under PM-SETU

Srinagar, Oct 16: The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) has approved investments worth 475.41 crore for upgrading Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Jammu and Srinagar. The approvals are part of five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth a cumulative 1,194.92 crore cleared for ITI clusters across Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Odisha, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee was held on Friday under the chairpersonship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Under the approved plans, the Jammu ITI Cluster will receive an investment of 240 crore in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited, while 235.41 crore has been approved for the Srinagar ITI Cluster in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India. The Jammu cluster comprises Government ITI Jammu as the hub, with Government ITIs at R S Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua as spoke institutions. The Srinagar cluster comprises Government ITI Srinagar as the hub, with Government ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as spoke institutions. The projects aim to modernise infrastructure, introduce industry-aligned courses, strengthen trainer capacity and enhance industry participation to improve employment opportunities for youth. Chairing the meeting, Mukherjee said the approvals would help strengthen ITIs, improve training quality and increase industry participation. She encouraged the clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans. The progress made by Jammu & Kashmir is encouraging and reflects a strong commitment to strengthening skilling and expanding opportunities for youth in the region, she said. The committee also approved 240.50 crore for the Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, 241 crore for the Pune ITI Cluster in Maharashtra with BVG India Limited, in consortium with BVG Foundation, and 238.01 crore for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI Cluster in Maharashtra in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. With the latest approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has reached 3,687 crore, the ministry said. The committee also reviewed progress under the scheme's Training of Trainers component. As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had been trained through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The PM-SETU initiative seeks to transform ITIs into modern, industry-aligned skill institutions through partnerships between governments, industry and participating training institutes.

NCW takes suo motu cognisance of viral video showing alleged misconduct by J&K IAS officer

Srinagar, Oct 16: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a viral video allegedly showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan verbally abusing, humiliating and threatening a junior woman officer, Beenish Wani, during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir. The Commission, in a statement, said its chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, had written to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, seeking verification of the video and an impartial inquiry into the allegations. The NCW has called for appropriate disciplinary and legal action if the allegations are established. It has also sought safeguards against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation, besides protection and support for the woman officer. The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Chief Secretary within seven days. Every woman officer is entitled to a safe, respectful and dignified workplace, the NCW said, stressing that abuse of authority and workplace humiliation must be addressed with utmost seriousness. Ranjan is the Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, while Wani is an Assistant Director in the Employment Department and belongs to the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS). The development comes after the Jammu and Kashmir Government ordered an inquiry into the alleged incident, appointing Mandeep Kaur, IAS, as the Inquiry Officer and directing her to submit a report within 15 days.

Sajad Lone condemns alleged misconduct by IAS officer

Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone has condemned the alleged misconduct by a senior IAS officer towards a female Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer, calling for stern action and an institutional mechanism to prevent workplace bullying and intimidation. Reacting to the video showing IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly shouting at JKAS officer Beenish Wani, Lone described the recording as scary and said the incident went beyond workplace bullying. Lone complimented Wani for standing her ground and upholding her dignity in the face of the alleged behaviour. We may pretend to be surprised but reality as it exists is that such exhibition of such behaviour is a normal occurrence. Workplace bullying by officers exists, Lone said. He described the situation as a vicious cycle in which senior IAS officers bully junior officers, who, in turn, pass on the behaviour to their subordinates and, ultimately, members of the public. Lone also expressed surprise that the male officers present in the meeting, as well as those who joined remotely, did not stand up for their female colleague. That is the real surprise, he said. Calling for accountability, Lone urged the government to take stern action over the incident and establish an institutional mechanism to discourage and legally penalise bullying and intimidation. He said such safeguards should extend beyond government workplaces to protect ordinary citizens from being shouted at, intimidated or bullied by public officials. Lone also referred to the case of a recently retired officer whose pension and other post-retirement benefits were allegedly withheld for what he described as an utterly flimsy reason, adding that nobody would speak up in such cases. The remarks come as the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged misconduct involving Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, and Wani, Assistant Director, Employment, Ganderbal. The government has appointed Mandeep Kaur, IAS, as the Inquiry Officer and directed her to submit a report within 15 days. Amit Vermani, JKAS, Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer.

J&K govt orders probe into alleged misconduct by IAS officer

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry into allegations of misconduct involving senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan and JKAS officer Beenish Wani, appointing Mandeep Kaur, IAS, as the Inquiry Officer. According to Government Order No. 1654-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on October 16, Mandeep Kaur, IAS (AGMUT: 2004), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, has been appointed to conduct the inquiry. The inquiry follows reports in print and electronic media regarding an alleged incident involving Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS (AGMUT: 2010), Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, and Beenish Wani, JKAS, Assistant Director, Employment, Ganderbal. The government has directed the Inquiry Officer to complete the inquiry and submit her report within 15 days of the issuance of the order. Amit Vermani, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer in the case. The order was issued by the command of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and signed by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government.

Why Does Sabudana Khichdi Turn Mushy? I Tried 4 Methods And One Worked Best

My sabudana khichdi would often turn into a sticky, clumpy mess instead of the soft, separate pearls I wanted. So I tried four different methods to figure out how to get it right.

World Food Day: Tukaram Mundhe On Why Cheap Food Can Come At A Higher Cost

For a low-income household, falling ill can mean paying for treatment while losing the income needed to buy food. This makes food safety an affordability issue, too.

Canadian student Ji-Hong Wu patents an air piano that turns gestures into music

Farooq Abdullah slams IAS officer over misconduct, demands his removal from J&K

Srinagar, Oct 16: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday said he felt ashamed after watching a video of an IAS officer misbehaving with a woman officer, calling his conduct unbecoming of a senior administrative official. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Dr Farooq Abdullah, said the language used by the officer was unacceptable and reflected a lack of the discipline and professionalism expected of an IAS officer. The language he used with the woman officer was extremely inappropriate. He should be reprimanded. This shows that he lacks the manners and conduct expected of an officer, he said, as per the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO). Dr Farooq said officers were appointed to serve the public, listen to their grievances and resolve their problems rather than insult or humiliate them. People want to express their grievances, and officers should hear them patiently. Instead, he directly said, Get out, get out. This is completely wrong. He should be removed from Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Expressing dismay over the incident, Abdullah said, When I saw the incident on social media today, I felt ashamed. His behaviour was completely unbecoming of an IAS officer. He has put the entire administrative community in an embarrassing position. Asked whether such incidents occurred during his tenure as Chief Minister, Abdullah said no officer or minister had the right to insult people. Whether someone is an officer or a minister, they are here to serve the people and resolve their difficulties, not to insult or abuse them, he said. Backing Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs remarks that such an incident would not have occurred had Jammu and Kashmir retained its statehood, Farooq Abdullah said he would have taken stronger action against the officer. He would not merely have been attached. He would have been thrown out. If I had been in office, he would not have remained in Jammu and Kashmir for more than a few minutes. I would have put him back on a plane and sent him away, he said. He said the incident reflected changes in the administrative functioning of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019. On protests in Delhi, Abdullah welcomed the demonstrations, saying a new wave was emerging against what he described as autocracy. I think these protests are very good. A new wave is beginning against autocracy and against a Hitlerian way of life, he said. Dr Farooq futher urged US President Donald Trump to recognise dialogue and negotiations as the only viable means of resolving disputes. Let us hope that Trump realises that war is not a solution. Negotiation is the way to resolve conflicts. You are not going to win through war. You will only end up killing people, and innocent people will lose their lives, he said.(KNO)

Farooq Abdullah says IAS officer should be reprimanded over conduct towards woman officer

JKPCC chief seeks time-bound probe into alleged misconduct by senior IAS officer

Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has written to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, seeking his intervention and a time-bound inquiry into allegations of misconduct involving a senior IAS officer and JKAS officer Beenish Wani during a Mission YUVA review meeting on October 14. In a letter dated October 16, Karra said a video circulating publicly had raised serious concerns over the language allegedly used by the senior IAS officer towards Wani, as well as reported directions to initiate action against her. Karra also expressed concern over reported remarks concerning the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), describing it as a vital constitutional institution. He said any attempt to undermine its credibility or erode public confidence in its functioning warranted serious examination. Seeking an impartial investigation, the JKPCC chief urged the Lieutenant Governor to order a fair and time-bound inquiry to establish the facts, including an examination of the complete audio and video recording of the meeting, and determine whether any service rules or conduct standards had been violated. He further demanded that appropriate action be taken if the allegations were substantiated, irrespective of the officer's rank or position. Karra also stressed the need to protect Wani from any potential victimisation or retaliatory action, saying her professional interests must be safeguarded and any decisions concerning her service taken strictly on merit and in accordance with established rules. While acknowledging the demanding circumstances in which the administration operates, Karra said accountability and mutual respect were essential to maintaining officers' morale and preserving the credibility of the administration across Jammu and Kashmir.

Richer Indians May Face Higher Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds: What Explains the Link?

Socioeconomic background has never been a risk factor for heart disease until now. Researchers have found that consistently richer Indians are at greater risk of developing heart conditions compared to others. Get more information in this article.

CBI arrests Srinagar Municipal Corporation Ward Officer in bribery case

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Ward Officer of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in a bribery case . According to an official press release dated October 16, 2026, the accused was posted in the Safakadal area . The CBI registered the case against the officer on October 15, 2026, following a formal complaint . The complainant alleged that the Ward Officer had demanded a bribe of Rs. 10,000 to allow the continuation of minor renovation work at their residence . Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on October 15, 2026, and successfully caught the accused red-handed as he demanded and accepted the Rs. 10,000 bribe . Following the operation, the Ward Officer was placed under arrest . The agency noted that further investigation into the case is currently in progress . Emphasizing its firm commitment to curbing corruption, the CBI issued a public appeal encouraging citizens in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to come forward if they encounter corruption or face demands for bribes by public officials . Residents can lodge complaints by visiting the Office of the CBI, ACB, Srinagar (Guest House No 6, Near MLA Hostel, M A Road, Srinagar), calling 9419900977, or sending an email to hobacsgr@cbi.gov.in .

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LG Ladakh announces district status for Sankoo, bringing UT total to eight districts now

Srinagar, Oct 16: In a major administrative expansion in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, announced the creation of Sankoo as a new administrative district. The announcement fulfills a long-standing demand of the residents of the Suru Valley and expands the total number of districts in Ladakh to eight. The announcement reflects the administration's broader push toward decentralised, people-centric governance, aimed at bringing administrative machinery closer to remote high-altitude communities. Fulfilling Long-Standing Public Aspirations Sankoo, located approximately 42 kilometres from Kargil town, serves as the central hub of the fertile Suru Valley. For decades, local representatives, civil society groups, and religious organizations have campaigned for district status, citing the area's population, geographic challenges, administrative distance, and developmental potential. In his official statement, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the decision aligns with the Union Governments policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Together with All, Development for All). He credited the constructive approach of local stakeholders, civic bodies, and political leadersincluding Dr. Jaffar Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor of the LAHDC Kargil, Haji Haneefa Jan, Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Ex CEC Tashi Gyalson for helping bring the long-pending demand to fruition. In line with the Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas vision of Honble PM Shri @narendramodi ji and Honble HM Shri @AmitShah ji, I am pleased to announce the creation of Sankoo District ! This is a culmination of the long standing aspiration of the people of the area and has been made possible through the constructive and positive approach of Anjuman-e-Sahib Zaman, under the visionary leadership of Chief Patron Syed Mohammad Razvi (Aga Migi Outh) and Chairman Sheikh Sadiq Balaghi and Dr. Jaffar Akhoon, CEC, Kargil and Haneefa Jan, MP, Ladakh and Tashi Gyalston, Ex CEC, Leh, LG Ladakh said. The announcement was met with widespread celebration across Sankoo and adjacent villages, where local residents gathered to exchange sweets and express gratitude. Leadership from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil and local socio-religious bodies welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic milestone that honors the voice and aspirations of the region's people. Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Karhil Dr Mohd Jaffar while speaking to Greater Kashmir express gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the LG Ladakh for fulfilling the geniune demand of the Sankoo area. The creation of Sankoo as the eighth district follows the earlier rollout of five new districts in LadakhZanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthangreflecting an unprecedented administrative reorganisation of the Union Territory aimed at boosting local governance and development across its expanse.

Selaginella Bryopteris / Selaginella Species

Selaginella Bryopteris / Selaginella Species Ayurvedic Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Therapeutic Abstract There are about 700750 species of Selaginella, ... Read more The post Selaginella Bryopteris / Selaginella Species appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

Dhanyakadi Kashaya

Dhanyakadi Kashaya Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Dhanyakadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic Kashaya (decoction) described for ... Read more The post Dhanyakadi Kashaya appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

How Many Glasses of Warm Water Should You Actually Drink in Winter?

Warm water may feel soothing in winter, but does it aid digestion or burn fat? Learn how much to drink and why you should avoid scalding-hot water.

13-year-old helps invent a shoe that generates electricity to power GPS tracking

Dhatryadi Yoga (Kashaya)

Dhatryadi Yoga (Kashaya) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Dhatryadi Yoga is a group of Ayurvedic formulations ... Read more The post Dhatryadi Yoga (Kashaya) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

Duralabha Kashaya

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Dhanvayasadi Kashaya (1)

Dhanvayasadi Kashaya (1) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Dhanvayasadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic Kashaya (herbal decoction) ... Read more The post Dhanvayasadi Kashaya (1) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

Security forces, police launch multiple search operations in J-K's Poonch

Mendhar, Oct 16: Security forces and police launched search operations at four locations as part of heightened security measures in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Friday, officials said. The multiple search operations come close on the heels of four suspected terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir being killed in a suspected IED (improvised explosive device) blast across the Line of Control adjacent to the Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch, and the subsequent busting of a terrorist hideout in the Satharban forests on Tuesday. An automatic rifle, six hand grenades and ammunition were recovered from the hideout this week. According to officials, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Gursai launched a search operation in the Gursai-Harooni-Baidhar area of Mendhar sub-division. Another joint search operation was launched by the SOG Mendhar and the Army's Rashtriya Rifles in Dharana village, Kashmir Mohalla, Behri forest and adjoining areas. The SOG Mankote also launched a search operation in the Manglanu-Chilla forest areas falling under the jurisdiction of Mankote police post. The operations are aimed at strengthening security and checking possible terrorist movement in the border district, officials said.

Not in keeping with expected standards: CM Omar takes note of IAS officer abusing female colleague

Srinagar, Oct 16: Taking note of the alleged verbal abuse of a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer by a senior IAS officer in strongest possible terms, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the senior bureaucrats conduct prima facie was not in keeping with the expected standards. Taking to X, Abdullah said he has instructed the chief secretary to ensure that the JKAS does not face any retribution after senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly threatened to recommend her dismissal from service. I've seen the video of the online meeting that is circulating on social media. Prima facie, the conduct of the senior bureaucrat was not in keeping with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer and the subsequent threats issued to a junior JKAS officer only make matters worse. I've taken this up in the strongest possible terms with the chief secretary. Unfortunately, a UTs control over IAS officers rests with the Lok Bhavan, but as chief minister, I've instructed the chief secretary to ensure that the JKAS officer faces no retributive action, Abdullah said. The chief minister also said that had J-K been a state, the IAS officer seen abusing the young JKAS officer would have been attached to the General Administration Department pending an inquiry into his conduct. As an UT, we expect the authorities with control over IAS officers to set the right example and ensure that abusive, threatening behaviour is not brushed under the carpet, Abdullah said. The row erupted after videos of the heated argument between Ranjan and Assistant Director Beenish Wani over the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) during a review meeting on Mission YUVA surfaced on social media. The JKAS fraternity has condemned the alleged abuse and public humiliation of Wani and demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident.

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6,000 cops, 220 companies of CAPF, expanded CCTV network in place for CJPs Tiranga march

New Delhi, Oct 16: More than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel, 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and an expanded CCTV camera network have been pressed into service in the New Delhi area ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's proposed Lehra Do Tiranga march at the Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday. The elaborate security arrangements cover Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive locations in Lutyens' Delhi, with additional personnel being mobilised from other districts to prevent any law-and-order situation during the proposed march at 5 pm. Police have also positioned barricades at several points, including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg. Officers said the focus is on securing multiple entry and exit points in the sprawling commercial district without bringing public movement to a standstill. A senior police officer said that 5,000 additional personnel have been reserved from other districts to bolster the deployment. The arrangements are being coordinated with the deployment of 220 CAPF companies earmarked for New Delhi, which will also cover adjoining districts, border areas and other important locations. Thirty CAPF companies will be deployed during each shift, with three shifts planned through the day. The strength could be increased if the situation demands, particularly if crowds gather in large numbers or the demonstration continues into the night. If the crowd swells during the night and we need more security, we will increase the strength to 60 companies in one shift, the officer said. Surveillance has also been stepped up, with more than 10 CCTV cameras installed in and around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk to monitor the gathering and preserve footage in case of any violation or untoward incident. Since there were hardly any cameras at Central Park and a large gathering of people is expected, we have installed new cameras, the officer said. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that the Central Park will remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday for administrative reasons, while Delhi Police has said that it could facilitate a select group of people to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable spot. The march, announced amid a stand-off between the CJP and Delhi Police over demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, was called after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to judicial custody for entering Jantar Mantar on October 13. Student organisations, activists and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters are also expected to join the proposed demonstration. Police are factoring in the area's multiple access points, and the possibility of crowds spilling into the adjoining market stretches. Senior officers are also working out the deployment and movement of personnel to ensure that the security cordon does not unnecessarily disrupt commuters and commercial activity. Delhi Police PRO Neha Yadav said the march had not been granted permission and that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS prohibiting mass gatherings were already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. The security plan has also taken into account the closure of Central Park, with the NDMC requesting adequate arrangements to prevent unauthorised entry. Yadav said market and trade associations in and around Connaught Place had submitted written requests seeking protection for their establishments, citing concerns that large gatherings were affecting business. Police have appealed to people to stay away from unauthorised gatherings and warned that action would be taken against those violating prohibitory orders or disturbing public peace. We are ready to grant permission to a select few protesters for a flag march at some other spot, Yadav said, adding that any such alternative arrangement would have to be made at a suitable location.

JKAS association calls one-day pen-down strike over 'humiliation' of woman officer

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Interim Body of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) Association has called a one-day pen-down strike in protest against the alleged humiliation of a woman JKAS officer during an official meeting on October 14. In a communication to its members, the Interim Body of the JKAS Association, also referred to as AJJSKA, said the protest was aimed at defending the dignity, self-respect and institutional honour of the service fraternity. The association urged its members to stand united in solidarity, asserting that an alleged attack on the dignity of one officer was a matter of concern for the entire fraternity. The proposed protest follows an alleged incident during an official meeting on October 14, in which a woman JKAS officer was reportedly humiliated by a senior IAS officer. The association has called upon its members to participate in the protest to express solidarity with the officer and uphold the dignity of the administrative service.

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J-K: IAS officer abuses woman official; JKAS fraternity seeks probe

Senior IAS officer in Jammu and Kashmir Kumar Rajeev Ranjan has courted controversy after he allegedly used abusive language against a woman JKAS officer and threatened to recommend her dismissal from service. The heated argument, which came to light through a purported video, took place between Ranjan and Assistant Director Beenish Wani over the role of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) during a review meeting on Mission YUVA. The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) fraternity on Thursday condemned the alleged abuse and public humiliation of Wani and demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident. Ranjan, a 2010-batch IAS officer posted as Administrative Secretary Labour and Employment in J&K government, repeatedly interrupted Wani, assistant director, employment and counselling centre Ganderbal, when she was briefing the meeting about the targets achieved by her office. Why do you need NRLM? If NRLM had to do this work, why would I give it to AD (Assistant Director)? Why would the CS (chief secretary) give it to me? He would give it to MD (Managing Director) NRLM, he asked. Wani, a 2015-batch JKAS officer who was attending the meeting via video conferencing, tried to explain that NRLM was used as a helping agency. However, Ranjan allegedly repeatedly shouted at her and asked her to shut up. He asked the officer if she would sit silent or not. The junior officer said she needs to explain her position but the IAS officer asked her to stop talking. He also allegedly called her bloody shit. I can always talk like that. I am your boss, stupid, Ranjan said. When the female officer said he cannot call her shit, Ranjan told another female officer present in his room to type a suspension order for Wani. It is fine, you can suspend, Wani said. As Ranjan continued his verbal tirade against the junior officer, she went on to allegedly say to hell with you. The IAS officer asked his subordinate to record the words mentioned by Wani in the suspension order. Record this and write to the GAD how she should be thrown out of the service, he said. Both Ranjan and Wani were not available for comment. In a statement, the JKAS fraternity said that while it unequivocally upholds administrative accountability and performance monitoring, it maintains that no supervisory authority can justify abusive language, intimidation or such misconduct that undermines the dignity of a serving officer. The fraternity said this is not an isolated incident, as the IAS officer is alleged to have a pattern of using unparliamentary and demeaning language in an official capacity. More disturbing is the departments subsequent attempt to dismiss the circulating video as AI-generated and fabricated. The video is authentic, as testified by the officer herself and other officials who were present during the virtual meeting, the statement said. It added that the fraternity considers it deeply unfortunate that instead of allowing the matter to conclude with an apology and appropriate institutional corrective action, the Administrative Secretary has allegedly chosen to aggravate the controversy through a public clarification that raises further questions about accountability and professional ethics. The fraternity called upon Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dullo, and the General Administration Department to order an impartial inquiry into both the original incident and the subsequent departmental clarification, ensure that no retaliatory action is taken against the affected officer, and establish effective safeguards against workplace intimidation and abuse of authority, the statement said. It said the fraternity reiterates that administrative discipline must be founded on mutual respect, fairness and accountability. The JKAS fraternity demanded that the concerned officer tender a public apology. It also sought that no further harm be caused to the aggrieved officer and that proceedings for misconduct be recommended against Ranjan for allegedly misbehaving with and verbally abusing a fellow officer, and for misusing his office to issue a false statement. Estranged National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticised IAS officer Ranjan for allegedly using abusing language against the JKAS officer. In a post on X, Mehdis office said, Thats how a senior IAS officer in J&K Administrative Secretary, Labour & Employment dealt with a woman KAS officer who wouldnt be shouted down in front of a room full of officers. This is a grown man with a Secretarys chair threatening a womans career because she asked to be allowed to finish a sentence, the Mehdis office said. This is what abrogation of Art 370 has brought upon us. An assault on dignity at every level. Even the officers in administration behave like conquerors.@OfficeOfLGJandK @DullooAtal if she is touched for holding her dignity, it will have consequences, it said. Ranjan is facing CBI probe into his role in the arms licence case while a disproportionate assets case was also registered against him and his family members last year. Ranjan, who was earlier the deputy commissioner of Kupwara, is under the scanner in the agencys probe into irregularities in the issuance of thousands of arms licences to non-residents in J&K.

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CM Omar writes to Chief Secretary over alleged verbal abuse of woman JKAS officer during review meeting

Srinagar, Oct 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the alleged verbal abuse of a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer by a senior IAS officer and written to the Chief Secretary to ensure that she does not face retaliatory action, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Friday. In a post on X, Sadiq who is MLA Zadibal said, The Honble CM J&K has taken serious note of the matter and written to the Chief Secretary to ensure that the JKAS officer faces no retribution. He added, Accountability must prevail, and no one should be allowed to misuse their position to intimidate or victimise others. The development comes amid mounting criticism over a purported video showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly abusing Assistant Director Beenish Wani during a review meeting of Mission YUVA at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on October 14. The footage has triggered demands for an impartial inquiry from the JKAS fraternity and employees organisations, besides criticism from political leaders and netizens.

Missing SPOs body found in Kishtwar, service rifle also recovered

Kishtwar, Oct 16: A Special Police Officer (SPO), who went missing along with his service rifle in Kishtwar district, was found dead near his residence, officials said on Friday. A senior police officer told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the officer was posted at Pedil police post since 2025 and had gone missing from his post along with his service self-loading rifle (SLR) and a magazine, following which police and security forces launched a search operation. The official said the SPOs body was today found near his residence and the service rifle was also recovered. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team reached the spot, while the cause of death remains unclear and an investigation is underway, the official said. The deceased was identified as Bashir Ahmed, 55, a resident of Wanipora Trigam. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated a probe.

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3 children, teacher killed in Oregon elementary school shooting; 16-year-old shooter dead

Bend (Oregon), Oct 16: A 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and a teacher before he was shot by a person at the scene who pursued him into the school, authorities said. Authorities found the suspect dead inside the school minutes after the shooting was first reported, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. The three children killed were aged 5, 8 and 11. Another child, 7, and a teacher, 54, were injured and taken to a hospital in critical condition, Krantz said. The attacker, identified as a Bend resident, forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors, police said. He was shot and went down inside the school shortly after officers arrived, police spokesperson Sheila Miller said. The first 911 call came just before 1 pm from a person in a vehicle outside Silver Rail Elementary who reported being shot at by someone with a long gun, Krantz said. Further 911 calls came from inside the school, and officers arrived on scene within minutes, Miller said. Police said they did not know if the attacker knew anyone at the school or whether he had attended. The attacker used a pump-action shotgun that was purchased by his mother, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the shooting. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly discuss the investigation. The school in Bend, Oregon, which is more than 100 miles (160 kilometres) southeast of Portland, had 459 enrolled students as of last year, according to the Oregon Department of Education. The school serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade. At a news conference Thursday night, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said her heart was absolutely broken and thanked the civilian who pursued the shooter. To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life: Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well, she said. Reunification of children with their parents was ongoing early Thursday evening. [AP]

SC issues notice to Congress, Rahul Gandhi over march to court, posts against CJI

New Delhi, Oct 15:The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders on a plea seeking restrictions on political demonstrations in court premises following the Oppositions march to the apex court on October 12 and social media posts targeting Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought responses to the petition filed by four lawyers. Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the petitioners, argued that demonstrations within court premises amounted to an attempt to intimidate the judiciary. Nobody can browbeat the judiciary, the CJI observed. We are not sitting in ivory towers. We know what statements they are making outside and what they are saying in Court. We know everything, he said. The petition also sought criminal contempt action against the Congresss Kerala unit over an X post that told the CJI to resign and said the party would find his replacement. However, the bench declined to issue notice on the contempt plea at this stage. No contempt today. We are only issuing notice. Let us see what the response is, and then we will take it forward, the CJI said, according to Bar & Bench. The plea also named Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav among the respondents.

SC issues notice to ECI, CEC on Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc plea against SIR

New Delhi, Oct 15: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on a petition filed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to Bar & Bench, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought responses from the poll panel and the CEC and tagged the pleas with petitions already pending before the court challenging the validity of SIR in various states. We are issuing notice and tagging it with the matters already pending. Somebody will accept notice on behalf of the Election Commission of India. Otherwise, serve them, the bench said. The court also indicated that it would seek an explanation from one of the petitioners regarding his conduct at the next hearing, without specifying the person concerned. Issue notice. But one objection, before that. We would like to ask one of the petitioners about his conduct on the next date of hearing. Issuing notice does not mean that we are condemning anything. We are issuing notice. But about one of the petitioners, we will definitely entertain the issue. Issue notice. The notice on behalf of one of the petitioners will be entertained on a provisional basis, subject to his explaining his conduct, the bench observed. The petition has been filed by Rahul Gandhi along with several opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, CPI(M) leader MA Baby and CPI leader D Raja. Other petitioners include Mahua Majhi of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) and Mohammed Basheer of the Indian Union Muslim League. The petition challenges alleged large-scale deletions of voters and irregularities in the SIR process and seeks judicial intervention in the exercise. Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders had marched to the Supreme Court on October 12 before filing the plea. The development comes amid protests in Delhi against the SIR exercise, with demonstrators also demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The protests followed an Indian Express report alleging that Kumar had taken several decisions relating to the revision exercise unilaterally despite objections from two Election Commissioners. The allegations have added to opposition concerns over the conduct of the electoral roll revision. Several protesters were detained by Delhi Police over the weekend after prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The detentions have also led to petitions before the Supreme Court, including allegations that lawyers and journalists were prevented from performing their professional duties. The Supreme Courts notice seeks responses from the poll panel on the issues raised. By tagging the fresh petitions with matters already pending on SIR, the court has brought the latest challenge into the existing proceedings on the electoral roll revision exercise.

J&K Bank urges pensioners to complete nomination formalities

Srinagar, Oct 15: A deputation of the Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners Welfare Federation/Senior Citizens, led by State President Lenin Sampat, met senior officials of J&K Bank at its Corporate Headquarters on M.A. Road here on Wednesday to discuss issues concerning pensioners. vc During the meeting, the delegation sought the appointment of a Pension Mitra to serve as a single point of contact for pensioners seeking assistance. The bank authorities informed the delegation that orders had been issued to all branches in this regard. The issuance of Senior Citizen Cards by J&K Bank was also discussed. Bank officials clarified that certain social media posts circulating on the issue were fake and urged the public not to rely on unverified information. The delegation was further informed that nearly one lakh pensioners had yet to submit nomination details for their bank accounts. The bank authorities advised them to visit their respective branches at the earliest and complete the required formalities. The officials also urged pensioners whose accounts had remained inoperative for a prolonged period to approach their respective branches and complete the necessary formalities to regularise them. The federation appreciated the bank authorities' response and expressed hope that the issues raised would be addressed promptly in the interest of pensioners across J&K.

PHDCCI reappoints A P Vicky Shaw as Kashmir Chapter chairman for 5th consecutive term

Srinagar, Oct 15: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has reappointed A P Vicky Shaw as Chairman of its Kashmir Chapter for a fifth consecutive term, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership and contribution to the regions industrial and economic development. The announcement was made by newly elected PHDCCI President Anil Gupta, Chairman of KEI Industries, following the chambers 121st Annual Session in New Delhi. The annual session also marked the appointment of the chambers new national leadership, with Sanjay Singhania, Managing Director of EPack Group, taking over as Senior Vice President and Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, as Vice President. The reappointment of Shaw was unanimously endorsed by the new leadership, recognising his efforts to promote industrial growth, attract investment and advocate policy reforms aimed at addressing the concerns of Kashmirs business community. Expressing gratitude for the renewed confidence, Shaw said he was honoured by the trust placed in him by the chambers national leadership. I am deeply honoured and humbled by the continuous trust and confidence reposed in me by our new leadershipPresident Anil Gupta, Senior Vice President Sanjay Singhania and Vice President Anshuman Singhania. This reappointment for a fifth consecutive term is not just a personal milestone but a recognition of the collective hard work of the entire Kashmir Chapter team, he said. Shaw thanked the leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility and reiterated his commitment to working towards Kashmirs economic prosperity and industrial development. PHDCCI, which has completed 121 annual sessions, continues to engage with industry stakeholders on matters concerning investment, business development and economic growth. The chambers secretariat is headed by Dr Ranjeet Mehta.

DC Anantnag directs removal of bottlenecks in industrial development

Anantnag, Oct 15: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning, progress and developmental initiatives of the Industries and Commerce Department in the district, with a focus on strengthening industrial infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship and generating sustainable employment opportunities. During the meeting, the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Anantnag, presented a detailed overview of various departmental schemes and initiatives, highlighting their progress, achievements, implementation status and challenges affecting industrial development in the district. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the implementation of the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and took note of portal-related issues being faced by prospective entrepreneurs and beneficiaries. He stressed the need for timely resolution of these issues through close coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure that eligible applicants do not face unnecessary delays in availing the benefits of the scheme. Emphasising the role of PMEGP in promoting self-employment and establishing micro-enterprises, the DC directed the concerned officers to facilitate eligible beneficiaries at every stage, ensure proper guidance regarding application procedures and address implementation-related bottlenecks on priority. He underscored the importance of making government-sponsored employment schemes more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly educated and unemployed youth. The meeting also held detailed deliberations on the infrastructure-related challenges confronting industrial estates across the district, particularly the 14 newly transferred industrial estates. Issues pertaining to the availability of basic amenities, essential infrastructure and other facilities required for setting up and operating industrial units were discussed in detail. Taking note of the concerns raised, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for a coordinated and systematic approach to address infrastructure gaps and facilitate the smooth establishment and functioning of industrial units. He assured that the issues highlighted during the meeting would be examined for appropriate action, in coordination with the concerned departments and authorities. Highlighting the importance of a robust industrial ecosystem in driving economic growth, the DC called for concerted efforts to create a business-friendly environment that encourages investment, supports local entrepreneurs and strengthens the districts industrial base. He emphasised that adequate infrastructure, responsive administrative support and effective implementation of government schemes are essential for translating industrial development initiatives into tangible outcomes. The Deputy Commissioner further stressed the need to intensify awareness and outreach activities to educate prospective entrepreneurs about the benefits, eligibility criteria and application procedures of various government-sponsored schemes. He called for proactive engagement with youth, aspiring business owners and other potential beneficiaries to encourage them to establish viable enterprises and explore opportunities for self-employment. He underscored that the Industries and Commerce Department has a significant role in facilitating entrepreneurship, nurturing local enterprise and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He directed the concerned officers to work in close coordination, ensure timely follow-up on the issues raised and adopt a result-oriented approach towards addressing implementation challenges.

J&K Bank holds customer interaction, felicitation meet at Lassipora

Srinagar, Oct 15: Strengthening its engagement with the industrial and horticulture sectors, J&K Bank today organised a customer interaction cum felicitation meet at Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora. Held under the theme Our CustomerOur Privilege, the programme brought together over 50 representatives of controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage businesses, fruit trade and other industrial estate activities. The Bank's Chief General Manager (Credit) Ashutosh Sareen chaired the interaction in presence of General Manager & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri, General Manager Suresh Kumar Chowdhary, Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar, Zonal Head (Pulwama) Masood Ahmad Lankar, DGM & Head M&LC (Kashmir) Nuzhat Parveen, Cluster Heads and other senior officials. The participant customers were led by President of Industrial Estate Lassipora, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan; President Jammu Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) Bashir Ahmad Naik and President Fruit Mandi (Pulwama) Javad Ahmad. In his presidential address to the participants, CGM Ashutosh Sareen reaffirmed the Banks unwavering commitment in supporting the Agriculture/Horticulture industry. When you describe J&K Bank as your own bank, it places a special responsibility on us to honour that trust through our service and support. At Lassipora, supporting industrial growth also means supporting growers, strengthening the apple value chain and sustaining employment. Our commitment to this shared progress is unshakable and long term, he said. Urging participants to understand the regulatory requirements within which the Bank operates, he emphasised the importance of working together to address their banking needs. Customer engagement becomes meaningful when listening leads to action. We are committed to address the concerns raised here and translating your suggestions into practical improvements within the Banks laid-down guidelines and the applicable regulatory framework. Our shared endeavour must be to ensure that viable enterprises receive timely and responsive banking support, he added. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, President, Industrial Estate Lassipora, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan expressed profound gratitude to the Banks leadership for its commitment in supporting apple production, storage and processing. He said the estate houses around 950 industrial units employing nearly 20,000 people, underscoring its importance to the local economy. We consider Jammu & Kashmir Bank not merely a banking institution, but our own banka financial partner that we have trusted for generations, he said. Highlighting rising input costs, working capital requirements, delays in credit disbursement and issues concerning collateral-free credit guarantee schemes, he sought continued support for the industrial community. We also request the Bank to consider a dedicated mechanism through which the Association can periodically discuss industry-specific banking issues with the concerned authorities, said President (JK PICCA) Bashir Ahmad Naik on the occasion. In his welcome address, GM & Divisional Head Arshad Qadri said, The Bank remains committed in carrying forward the mission of empowering growers, traders and all those associated with horticulture and allied sectors. One of the objectives of this interaction is to explore ways to bridge the gap between apple production and storage capacity, particularly to benefit small and marginal farmers that constitute the majority of growers. The Bank has financed over 80% of CA stores in the Valley, with an exposure of around Rs 2,000 crore to this segment. This reflects our sustained commitment to the economic empowerment and growth of people associated with horticulture, he added. Speaking on the occasion, General Manager (CIBF) Suresh Kumar Chowdhary provided detailed responses to the issues raised by the customers in the meeting. We recognise the importance of timely credit and adequate working capital for the smooth functioning of your businesses. Our endeavour is to address your concerns through practical solutions and clear guidance, while ensuring compliance with the Banks policies and regulatory requirements, he said. Based on an agenda circulated in advance, the deliberations were held in a cordial atmosphere. The Banks leadership listened attentively and patiently to the participants concerns and responded on spot to their satisfaction. The Bank's leadership reaffirmed its commitment in resolving all the issues raised and implementing all the suggestions received within the Banks laid-down guidelines and the applicable regulatory framework. The Banks senior leadership also felicitated the participants on the occasion.

AITHP hails EoDB Act, seeks early notification of rules

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Association of Integrated Textile and Handicraft Park (AITHP), Zakura, has welcomed the enactment of the J&K Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, expressing gratitude to the Omar Abdullah-led government for initiating long-awaited reforms to relieve entrepreneurs of unnecessary compliances and bureaucratic controls. The Association urged early notification of rules and guidelines to ensure tangible relief on the ground. At a meeting of its Advisory Committee, convened to discuss the legislation and the debate surrounding it, members regretted the opposition to reforms intended to simplify business procedures. They maintained that genuine concerns regarding ecology, environment, public safety and planned development must be respected, but should not become grounds for resisting much-needed regulatory reforms. The industrial fraternity, they emphasised, have neither sought nor would support any relaxation compromising these safeguards. The members observed that redundant No Objection Certificates, repeated clearances and overlapping compliances had become a persistent source of harassment, diverting attention of the entrepreneurs from production, labour management, financing, debt servicing, taxation and marketing within their enterprises. How can enterprises flourish when their owners spend more time pursuing files and permissions than managing and expanding their businesses? the members questioned. They regretted that regulatory simplification measures introduced elsewhere in the country years ago had not adequately reached J&K, partly because of an entrenched administrative culture that continued to exercise excessive discretionary control over entrepreneurs instead of facilitating their activities. Speaking on the occasion, AITHP President Syed Afaq Qadiri said the EoDB Act should be viewed as the beginning of broader economic reforms and read alongside the forthcoming New Industrial Policy, understood to be in the final stages of approval. He hoped the policy would accord due priority to existing enterprises that have endured over three decades of disruptions, natural calamities, economic uncertainty and inadequate institutional support. The EoDB Act seeks to free entrepreneurs from unnecessary bureaucratic controls, while the New Industrial Policy must provide the economic support necessary for their revival, sustainability and growth. Their real success will depend on implementation, Qadiri observed. He said the legislation reflected longstanding demands of apex industrial organisations for transparent, predictable and entrepreneur-friendly regulation, consistent with reforms pursued elsewhere under the Government of India's Ease of Doing Business initiatives and local needs. Referring to apprehensions expressed by civil society groups, Qadiri urged stakeholders to examine the Act's provisions, safeguards and exceptions carefully, distinguishing genuine statutory deficiencies from concerns that could be addressed through implementation rules. He hoped the forthcoming guidelines would clarify environmental, public safety and planning protections without diluting the legislation's fundamental objective. The Association appealed to civil society organisations and other stakeholders to engage constructively, recognising that economic development and environmental protection were complementary responsibilities. Reiterating gratitude to the Omar Abdullah-led government, the Association urged early notification of rules and guidelines that faithfully reflect the spirit and intent of the legislation. It cautioned that the reforms must not be diluted through fresh procedural requirements, discretionary interpretations or bureaucratic practices that perpetuate the very obstacles the Act seeks to eliminate. The Association called for clearly defined timelines, accountability of officials, effective grievance redressal and regular monitoring at the highest level to ensure uniform implementation across departments. It emphasised that the government must ensure a visible change in administrative attitudes, replacing the culture of control with one of facilitation and trust. The real success of EoDB will not be measured by the enactment of legislation alone, but by its impact on the groundwhen entrepreneurs are genuinely freed from unnecessary official interference and can devote their energies to production, innovation, expansion and employment generation. The government must ensure that what has been promised through legislation is not lost in implementation, the Association concluded.

Ruhullah slams senior IAS officer over alleged threat to woman JKAS officer

Srinagar, Oct 15:Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has hit out at a senior IAS officer in Jammu and Kashmir over his alleged conduct towards a woman Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officer, accusing him of threatening her career during an interaction in the presence of other officials. In a post on X, Ruhullah alleged that the Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment, raised his voice against the woman officer after she sought to complete her statement. The MP accused the senior officer of using his position to intimidate the woman officer and undermine her dignity. He also praised her for maintaining her composure and standing her ground despite the alleged behaviour. Ruhullah linked the incident to the abrogation of Article 370, alleging that it reflected broader concerns about administrative conduct in Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that any attempt to undermine the woman officers dignity would have consequences.

2.69 lakh students to appear in JKBOSE exams across 2,602 centres

Srinagar, Oct 15: Around 2.69 lakh students will appear in the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Educations (JKBOSE) Annual Regular-2026 examinations for Classes 10, 11 and 12 across Kashmir and the winter-zone areas of Jammu division, with the Board establishing 2,602 examination centres. JKBOSE Chairman Ghulam Hassan Sheikh told Greater Kashmir that a total of 2,69,184 students have registered for the examinations, including 97,500 in Class 10, 89,513 in Class 11 and 82,171 in Class 12. According to the date sheet notified by JKBOSE, the Class 10 examinations will commence on October 19 and conclude on November 18, 2026. The Class 12 examinations will begin on October 21 and conclude on November 21, while the Class 11 examinations are scheduled to commence on October 29 and conclude on November 11. For Class 10, a total of 97,500 students, including 72,232 from Kashmir and 25,268 from the winter-zone areas of Jammu division, have registered for the examinations. The Board has established 1,003 examination centres for the class, including 687 in Kashmir and 316 in Jammus winter-zone areas. Similarly, 89,513 students have registered for the Class 11 examinations, including 69,575 from Kashmir and 19,938 from Jammus winter-zone areas. The examinations will be conducted at 824 centres, comprising 628 in Kashmir and 196 in Jammus winter-zone areas. For Class 12, 82,171 students, including 65,276 from Kashmir and 16,895 from Jammus winter-zone areas, will appear in the examinations. JKBOSE has established 775 examination centres for the class, including 595 in Kashmir and 180 in Jammus winter-zone areas. The Chairman said all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations. He added that examination-related confidential material had been dispatched to the concerned police stations. We have made special arrangements for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). The concerned examination superintendents have been instructed to provide all genuine assistance to such candidates as per the rules, Sheikh told Greater Kashmir.

JKBOSE to begin free distribution of textbooks to Govt schools by November 1st week

Srinagar, Oct 15:In a significant development, the authorities at J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) have decided to start the free distribution of textbooks to all the education zones from first week of November, 2026. In a exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir, chairman JKBOSE Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said the timely distribution of textbooks is aimed at ensuring smooth start of the new academic session in schools. He said the JKBOSE has printed the textbooks for both government and private schools as per the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) plus data. UDISE is an educational management information system under the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education under the Government of India. It functions as a central platform that enables respective schools to efficiently record and submit data related to its profile (infrastructure & facilities), individual students and teachers details. We print the textbooks as per the data shown on UDISE with 10 percent increase and distribute textbooks for market supply and free distribution to government schools as well, he added. Currently, the summative assessment of junior classes students in all schools is going on and the new academic session is set to begin from November first week. In view of this, timely availability of textbooks is mandatory. Chairman JKBOSE further said that this year JKBOSE has revised the syllabus of textbooks of four classes which include class 1st, 2nd and 3rd primary besides the class 6th as well. We have done it as per the NEP-2020, he added. He said that students have only Mathematics, English, Urdu and Kashmiri subjects in 1st and 2nd primary as per NCF foundational stage. From 3rd primary onwards we prescribe textbook of environmental science to students which is combination of Social science and Science, he added. Chairman JKBOSE said that under NCF students in lower primary classes should not be given academic burden because that will leave students disinterested in studies. He said the syllabus of other classes will be revised in near future and will be hopefully implemented in academic session 2027-2028. About the timely availability of textbooks in government schools, Chairman JKBOSE said they distribute the textbooks to all the education zones as per the UDISE data. The further distribution of books to schools in zones is prerogative of the concerned zonal educational officers, he said. As already reported by this newspaper, JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has made it mandatory for the private schools to adopt its textbooks for the students from primary to higher classes. The orders have been issued by JKBOSE using its powers vested under the Jammu And Kashmir Board of School Education Act 1975. Under the Act, JKBOSE holds the authority to prescribe courses of instruction, curricula, syllabi, and textbooks for various academic levels, including pre-primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary school examinations, reads a circular issued by JKBOSE during previous years.

HC bars fuel run motorboats, jet skis in Dal Lake

Srinagar, Oct 15: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed that no fuel-operated motorboat, including shikara motorboats and Jet Skis, shall be allowed to operate in Dal Lake until further orders, citing concerns over pollution and protection of the lake ecosystem. A division bench of Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri put on hold the operation of the motorboats in response to a related plea by Muhammad Rafiq Mir and others. The court noted that the existing mechanism for permitting motorboats suffered from a lack of uniform criteria and transparency, with concerns also raised over pollution, the number of boats permitted to operate and the environmental impact of motorised vessels. The aggrieved petitioners contention is that any criteria for granting licences should be uniform, transparent and environmentally sound, maintaining that Jet Skis, motorboats and other motorised vessels could damage the lake ecosystem and required a regulated and protective approach. In its argument, the government projected that Dal Lake pollution was an issue that the authorities intended to address while maintaining a balance between tourism activities and cleanliness. The lake, it said, had a significant role in the civilisation of the territory and that a scientific and expert-oriented approach would be adopted regarding motorised tourism activities. The court observed that with lake systems becoming a growing concern for civilisation, policies must seek to prevent pollution while balancing tourism activities and ensuring uniformity among stakeholders. Moreover, it observed that solar and electric boats could provide a possible solution for balancing tourism with the sustenance of lakes. Thus, in the larger interest of justice, the bench directed the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Tourism Department and Police to ensure that no fuel-operated motorboat, including a shikara motorboat or Jet Ski, operates in Dal Lake until further orders. The court warned that any motorised boat found operating in violation of the order would amount to contempt of court and directed the concerned officers to strictly prohibit such operations. However, boats used by the administration and authorities for emergency services, law and order, disaster management and safety have been exempted from the restriction. The court also directed the government to formulate a comprehensive policy for motorised boats after consulting experts, with the objective of minimising pollution while balancing tourism and environmental protection. Furthermore, it asked the authorities to explore whether complete motorisation could be replaced with solar-powered electric engines.

Evil intent of western neighbour, narco-terror networks to be neutralised: DGP Nalin Prabhat

Srinagar, Oct 15:Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Thursday expressed confidence that sustained efforts to engage youth through sports and other constructive activities would help neutralise the evil intent of a western neighbour, criminal networks and narco-terror networks. Addressing a gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Prabhat underscored the importance of channelising the energy of young people through sports, describing it as a key component of the polices civic action programmes and its efforts to counter drug abuse and narco-terrorism. The evil intent of a western neighbour, the criminal networks, the narco-terror networks, all those would have been adequately neutralised, he said, expressing hope that sustained engagement with youth would contribute to tackling these threats. The DGP said sports remained central to the polices outreach initiatives, adding that the department would organise 240 district-level sporting events this year, compared with 144 events conducted last year. He said more than 6,000 people participated in the recently held Run for Unity, reflecting the growing reach of sporting activities and community engagement initiatives. Sports and policing both demand utmost discipline, coordination, a humongous amount of teamwork, ability to perform under pressure, courage to face uncertainty and, most importantly, to fight for your goals and perform beyond your physical and mental boundaries, Prabhat said. Emphasising the need for sustained efforts to tackle drug abuse, he said the government-backed Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan could achieve its objectives through continued engagement with young people and coordinated action against criminal and narco-terror networks. He said channelising youth energy towards constructive pursuits was among the most important factors determining the quality of life and prosperity of a society. Referring to historical civilisations, including imperial Rome, ancient Egypt and Sparta, as well as Indias Gupta and Maurya dynasties, Prabhat said sports had historically played an important role in engaging young people and promoting social cohesion. The DGP also said 1,789 children were sent for Bharat Darshan last year, while the target for the current year had been set at 2,000, according to Kashmir News Service. He highlighted the achievements of the J&K Police Central Sports Team, which is part of the J&K Armed Police, saying its athletes continued to win medals and bring recognition to the Union Territory at national and international sporting events. Crediting police officers and personnel for organising sporting activities, Prabhat assured participants that the department would continue to expand its sports promotion initiatives. To our distinguished guests, including the civilians and the sports persons who are here today, let me assure you J&K Police will continue with its endeavour in terms of promoting sports more and more, he said. Present during the function were DGP Home Guards /SDRF Abdul Gani Mir, Spl DG Coordination SJM Gillani, ADGP CID M K Sinha, ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar and other senior officers.

Where is the water, where is the Lake?

Srinagar, Oct 15: Anchar Lake has shrunk from 19.5 square kilometres to around 4.5 square kilometres, losing nearly 15 square kilometres, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said on Thursday. Tarigami, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assemblys Committee on Environment, visited the lake with committee members. He called for urgent action to stop encroachments and protect the remaining lake area. Anchar Lake has shrunk from 19.5 square kilometres to just 4.5. Even that remaining area is in poor condition. Preserving what is left must be our priority, he said. Where is the water? Where is the lake? It is not visible, he said, questioning the lakes deteriorating condition. Tarigami alleged that influential people had encroached upon land around Anchar, Dal and Wular lakes He said such encroachments contributed to the degradation of water bodies. Build a house. I have no objection. Build a small house, build a palace. That is their choice. But if any construction ruins the face of Kashmir, whether it is a palace or a small house, I don't accept it, he said. Tarigami warned that the loss of lakes could affect tourism and the environment. If our lakes disappear, tourists will no longer come here. We need to introspect on development that comes at the cost of damaging the environment, he said. He said the issue had been raised repeatedly. Previous committees had also submitted recommendations to the Assembly, but the condition of water bodies remained a serious concern. Tarigami said the degradation of lakes also threatened public health. He urged political parties and legislators to work together to protect Kashmirs water bodies. It is our responsibility to save our land and save our water bodies, he said, calling on the authorities to stop encroachments and prevent further damage to Anchar Lake.

Sopore Police conduct multi-agency security mock drill at railway station

Sopore, Oct 15: Sopore Police on Thursday conducted a comprehensive security mock drill at Sopore Railway Station to assess preparedness against potential threats from anti-national elements (ANEs) and strengthen emergency response mechanisms. The exercise was conducted in coordination with Railway Police Sopore, Fire and Emergency Services Sopore, CORAS Budgam, 52 RR, SOG Sopore and SDRF Sopore, bringing multiple security and emergency response agencies together to test their operational readiness. The primary objective of the drill was to evaluate inter-agency coordination, response time and the effectiveness of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a simulated security threat scenario. During the exercise, the participating agencies demonstrated coordinated efforts and operational synergy. Necessary corrections and instructions were issued on the spot to address gaps, improve coordination and further strengthen the collective response mechanism. Sopore Police said such exercises are crucial for enhancing security preparedness and ensuring a swift, effective and coordinated response to any potential threat or untoward incident in the future.

From classroom to skies: KU holds workshop on aviation careers, pilot training

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Centre for Career Counseling, Coaching and Placement (CCCP), University of Kashmir (KU), organised a first-of-its-kind day-long workshop on Pilot Training & Career Pathways in Aviation at the Main Campus. It aimed to familiarise students with pilot training, licensing requirements and career opportunities in the aviation sector. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, emphasised the need to help students explore emerging career opportunities through informed guidance and industry engagement. Career awareness and expert guidance are essential in helping students identify opportunities beyond conventional career paths. By engaging with industry professionals, our students can gain a better understanding of emerging fields such as aviation and make informed choices based on their interests, abilities and aspirations, she said. Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, highlighted the need to broaden students exposure to specialised professional fields. He noted that such initiatives help them understand the skills, qualifications and practical preparation required to pursue diverse career opportunities. Delivering the keynote address, Capt. Nistish Arora, senior aviation expert and Founder of November Alpha Aviation Academy (NAAA), Mumbai, spoke about the various stages of pilot training and the requirements for entering the profession. He guided participants on pilot eligibility, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requirements, medical examinations, licensing, flying training opportunities in India and abroad, and preparation for airline careers. Capt. Arora also discussed the career opportunities available in aviation and emphasised the importance of proper planning, accurate information and a clear understanding of the financial and academic commitments involved in pilot training. The workshop featured an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students to seek clarification on training pathways, eligibility criteria and career prospects. Earlier, Director CCCP, KU, Prof. Nazir Dar, in his welcome address, highlighted the Centres efforts to familiarise students with diverse career opportunities and provide them access to expert guidance and industry insights. Representatives from NAAA, including Capt. Krish Khanti Lal, Capt. Ishrat Mansuri also attended the programme. Capt. Ishrat shared her experiences and perspective on aviation careers. Faculty members and students from the University participated in the workshop. The proceedings were conducted by Fatima Ali, faculty, CCCP, KU while vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Yahya Bakhtiyar, Deputy Director CCCP KU.

Murder of woman at Bemina in 2022 : Husband, mother-in-law, brother-in-law get life term

Srinagar, Oct 15: A Sessions Court here Thursday sentenced a womans husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law to life imprisonment after convicting them of smothering the woman to death at Nund-Reshi Colony B Bemina here in 2022. The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Bhat, sentenced Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, husband of the deceased, Hafeeza Begum, her mother-in-law, and Parveez Ahmad Dar alias Bilal, her brother-in-law, to simple imprisonment for life under Section 302 read with Section 120-B of IPC. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 each on the three convicts. They would undergo a further six months imprisonment, in default. The court convicted the trio, holding them guilty of murder in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy. In its judgment, the court observed that time and again cases are frequently coming before the Courts where husbands, due to strained marital relations and doubts as regards the character, have gone to the extent of killing their wives. These crimes are generally committed in complete secrecy inside the house, and it becomes very difficult for the prosecution to lead evidence, it observed. No member of the family, even if he is a witness to the crime, would come forward to depose against another family member, the court said It is further observed that the role of the Courts such circumstances assumes greater importance, and it is expected of the Courts to deal with such cases in a more realistic manner and not allow the criminals to go scot-free on account of procedural technicalities, perfunctory investigation or insignificant lacunae in the evidence, as otherwise serious crimes would go unpunished, the court said. The Courts are expected to be sensitive in cases involving crimes against women. The case the court here dealt with relates to the unnatural death of Tasleema, who was married to Shahnawaz in 2013. On June 27, 2022, Tasleema was found dead under mysterious circumstances in her room on the second storey of the family house at Nund-Reshi Colony in Bemina. Her in-laws claimed she had fallen ill suddenly and died of a cardiac arrest while being brought to JVC Hospital, Bemina. According to the prosecution case , police initially received information that Tasleema had died under mysterious circumstances. A report under Section 174 CrPC was registered and an inquiry was initiated. The deceaseds body was taken into possession and subjected to post-mortem at Medical College, Srinagar. The post-mortem report, received on August 2, 2022, concluded that she had died due to respiratory failure caused by smothering. Following the post-mortem report, Batmaloo Police registered FIR No. 109/2022 under Section 302 of IPC and commenced investigation. Sections relating to cruelty, criminal conspiracy and disappearance of evidence were subsequently added to the case. The prosecution said that Tasleema had been subjected to harassment by her in-laws over her inability to conceive despite nearly nine years of marriage. The investigation further alleged that the family wanted to remove her from the matrimonial home and arrange another marriage for Shahnawaz. The challan stated that Tasleema had also faced physical harassment and that Parveez Ahmad Dar had, on an earlier occasion, allegedly attempted to electrocute her with a heater. The prosecution also relied upon call-detail records to establish the movements and communication between the accused around the time of the incident. According to the investigation, Tasleema spoke to her aunt, Sayara, at around 11:01 a.m., after which calls made by her sister between approximately 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. went unanswered. The prosecution said that the accused, after committing the offence, did not properly inform the deceaseds parental family about her condition and attempted to create an impression that she had been taken to hospital. During the sentencing proceedings, the prosecution sought the death penalty, describing the killing as gruesome and arguing that the manner in which the deceased was smothered was sufficiently horrific to shock the collective conscience of society. The court, however, held that the case did not fall within the category of rarest of rare cases warranting capital punishment. The Court acquitted two other accused (sisters-in-law) of the deceased of all charges.

Apex Body Leh rejects Chinas claims, affirms Ladakh integral part of India

Srinagar, Oct 15: In response to fresh territorial assertions from Beijing, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Thursday rejected Chinas refusal to recognise Ladakhs status as a Union Territory, declaring that the region has always been and will remain an inseparable part of India. The latest diplomatic fallout was triggered by Indias move on October 2 to assign standardised geographical names to 28 strategic locations and key landforms across Ladakh. Reacting to New Delhis initiative, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated during a press briefing that Beijing does not recognise the illegally and unilaterally established Union Territory of Ladakh and firmly opposes Indias publication of standard place names in the region. Beijing further asserted claims over areas in western Ladakh, alleging that the territory historically belonged to China. At a press conference in Leh, LAB leaders condemned the Chinese remarks, terming them baseless, unacceptable and historically inaccurate. Addressing the press conference, LAB leaders, including chairman Chering Dorjey, emphasised that western Ladakh had never been under Chinese control or administration in recorded history. We strongly condemn the Chinese remarks claiming that western Ladakh has always been part of China. Ladakh has never been under Chinese rule. No external power can dictate the identity, aspirations or future of Ladakh, he said. Ladakh stands firmly with India, and its people will continue to uphold the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the nation. Never in recorded history was Ladakh a part of China. We appeal to the Government of India to condemn it in the strongest terms, Larkook, who also heads the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), said. Larkook said the people of Ladakh were living happily with India. We will not give up an inch, including Aksai Chin, which is under illegal occupation by China, he added.

MHA-Ladakh talks inconclusive; next meeting likely on Oct 22

Srinagar, Oct 15: The crucial dialogue between representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and key socio-political leaders of Ladakh ended inconclusively after discussions focused on core regional demands, including constitutional safeguards and a UT-level elected body for Ladakh. However, both sides agreed to keep channels of communication open, with the next round of formal talks likely to be held on October 22. The meeting aimed to address long-standing grievances raised by civil society groups representing Leh and Kargil districts. Representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the joint coalition spearheading the agitation, attended the sub-committee-level meeting, scheduled for 4 pm. Ladakh MP Haji Haneefa Jan, CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffar Akhoon and Home Ministry officials were also present. The talks followed the September 9 meeting between the two sides in New Delhi, where an understanding was reached on a Ladakh-level elected body and safeguards under the special provision of Article 371 of the Constitution. Speaking to the media after the meeting, LAB president Chering Dorjey said the MHA had presented a draft proposal regarding a UT-level body for Ladakh. He added that the draft would be studied in detail and that the LAB and KDA would submit their response soon. He said discussions had been held but no conclusion had been reached. We entered the meeting with a positive outlook, but the outcome fell short of our expectations, said Asgar Karbalai, co-chairman of the KDA. However, dialogue is a process, and we remain hopeful that concrete progress will be made in the upcoming sessions. Despite the lack of an immediate breakthrough, both sides underscored the importance of sustained negotiations. The sub-committee and civil society representatives are expected to meet in New Delhi on October 22, where detailed draft proposals and specific policy frameworks are likely to be reviewed. The LAB was represented by Chering Dorjey, Lakruk, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association. The KDA was represented by Sajjad Kargili, Asgar Ali Karbalai and Ghulam Rasool Naqvi. Haneefa Jan, Lok Sabha member from Ladakh; Thupstan Chhewang, former MP; Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, chairman of the Kargil Hill Development Council; and Tashi Gyalson, former chairman of the Leh Hill Development Council, also attended the meeting. Senior Ladakh bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, and senior MHA officials were present at the sub-committee meeting.

A Cultural Academy Without a Cultural Reset

There are moments when a seemingly ordinary conversation reveals something deeply uncomfortable about the way we treat our culture. For me, one such moment came inside an office of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL). I had gone there one morning for an interaction on an upcoming cultural initiative. As I sat in the officers chamber, my attention was drawn to a series of beautiful miniature paintings in the Basohli tradition. The works immediately transformed the otherwise functional government office into something that resembled a small gallery. I remarked, that it was refreshing to see an officers chamber adorned with such exquisite works of art. The reply was unexpected. We are planning to shift these to the Secretariat, the officer told me. They will be put up on the Civil Secretariat walls. I was taken aback. Not because the paintings were being moved. But because of the way their cultural value seemed to be understood, as objects that could simply be transferred from one government building to another depending on where they looked better. I expressed my disagreement. These paintings deserve a museum, not Secretariat walls, I said. That exchange has stayed with me. Because perhaps the real issue was never where those paintings should hang. The real issue was whether we understand what we possess. A miniature painting is not merely something beautiful to put on a wall. A manuscript is not an old document. A traditional musical instrument is not a prop. A folk song is not simply entertainment. They are repositories of memory. They carry histories, techniques, identities and stories that may have travelled across generations. And if an institution entrusted with preserving that inheritance treats such treasures primarily as dcor, we have a much larger institutional problem. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, popularly known as the Cultural Academy, is supposed to occupy a special place in the regions cultural landscape. It is an apex institution entrusted with promoting literature, languages, visual arts, performing arts and the wider cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. That mandate is enormous. But the cultural world around it has changed dramatically. The artist has changed. The audience has changed. The technology has changed. The economy of culture has changed. The way people create, consume and distribute art has changed. The only question is: has the institution changed enough? Today, a young Kashmiri musician can record a song independently and reach listeners across continents. A filmmaker can distribute work digitally without waiting for a conventional gatekeeper. A painter can exhibit virtually. A poet can build an audience through social media. Artificial intelligence is already challenging traditional notions of authorship, creativity and production. Digital platforms have fundamentally altered the relationship between artists and audiences. Yet much of our institutional cultural machinery continues to operate through frameworks and practices inherited from another time. There is nothing wrong with tradition. The irony is that an institution created to protect tradition cannot itself afford to become institutional tradition. What artists say The concerns are not merely theoretical. At a recent discourse during Fankar-E-Kashmir, a talent hunt event organised Kashmir Rabab Academy, ShowCase and the Eagle, artists, cultural practitioners and government functionaries discussed the state of the creative ecosystem and the role of institutions such as the Cultural Academy. A recurring demand was that the Academy needs to reinvent and rediscover itself. Artist, singer and composer Qaiser Nizami raised the issue of the fee structure and booking amounts for artists, arguing that these have not been adequately revisited for decades. That should make us pause. The cost of living has changed. The economics of producing music has changed. The professional demands on artists have changed. The cultural marketplace has changed. But if institutional remuneration remains frozen in another era, how can the system claim to be adequately supporting contemporary artists? Singer and composer Waheed Jeelani also raised concerns about disparities in the manner in which local artists are engaged for major cultural programmes. Again, this is not simply about money. It is about how an institution sees its artists. Are they stakeholders in the cultural ecosystem? Or are they performers to be brought in when a government function needs a cultural opening or closing act? There is a difference. A significant one. Culture cannot be reduced to events. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges facing cultural policy is the tendency to measure cultural activity through events. How many programmes were organised? How many artists performed? How many festivals took place? How many dignitaries attended? How many photographs were released? But culture is not an annual calendar of events. An ecosystem is something else. It requires sustained investment in artists. It requires archives and museums. It requires professional conservation. It requires grants and residencies. It requires research. It requires publishing. It requires intellectual property awareness. It requires digital archiving. It requires spaces where young artists can experiment. And it requires institutions that understand the difference between preserving an object and preserving its meaning. What lies inside our institutions? The Basohli paintings raise another uncomfortable question: what else is sitting inside our cultural institutions? How many paintings, manuscripts, photographs, instruments and other artefacts remain undocumented? How many have proper provenance records? How many have been professionally conserved? How many are digitally catalogued? How many can researchers access? How many can ordinary citizens see? And how many valuable objects are simply occupying cupboards, storerooms and office walls? Cultural preservation is a science. Temperature, humidity, light exposure, handling, storage and documentation all matter. A heritage object can deteriorate quietly while everyone assumes it is being preserved. Keeping something safe is not necessarily conserving it. A locked cupboard is not an archive. A decorated office is not a museum. And an event is not a cultural ecosystem. Who understands the culture? There was another important point raised by artists during the Fankar-e-Kashmir discussion: whether institutions responsible for culture should have stronger cultural orientation and domain expertise at their core. This deserves serious consideration. Administration matters. Government officers have an important role in managing institutions and implementing policy. But culture has its own grammar. A traditional instrument cannot be understood merely as an object. A folk tradition cannot be reduced to a performance slot. A miniature painting cannot be assessed merely by its decorative value. A craftsman is not simply a beneficiary of a government scheme. The people running cultural institutions need either a deep understanding of these nuances or access to professionals who possess it. That could mean stronger advisory structures, domain experts, curators, conservation specialists, artist representatives and independent cultural boards. The objective should not be bureaucratic versus artistic. It should be administration informed by cultural knowledge. The Academy must become a bridge, not a barrier. The Cultural Academy has an opportunity before it. It can become the bridge between Kashmirs extraordinary cultural past and its rapidly changing creative future. But that requires more than occasional festivals and commemorative programmes. It requires institutional introspection. Start with the collection. Catalogue it. Digitise it. Conserve it. Open it to researchers. Build a proper museum or gallery network. Create transparent and contemporary artist-engagement mechanisms. Review remuneration structures periodically. Bring young artists into conversations about cultural policy. Create digital platforms for Kashmiri languages, literature, music and visual arts. Document disappearing traditions before their practitioners disappear. And perhaps most importantly, listen to artists before designing programmes for them. The Basohli painting is more than a painting. I keep returning to that conversation about the Basohli miniatures. Because it captures the paradox perfectly. We possess extraordinary cultural treasures. We speak proudly about them. We display them. We photograph them. We invoke them in speeches. But do we understand them sufficiently to preserve them? The difference between decoration and heritage is knowledge. A painting on a wall can make an office look beautiful. A properly conserved painting can tell future generations where they came from. That is why the question of those paintings matters. They deserve more than a better wall. They deserve a proper home. They deserve documentation. They deserve conservation. They deserve interpretation. They deserve public access. They deserve a museum. And perhaps, most importantly, they deserve an institution that understands why they matter. The time for a cultural reset is now Jammu and Kashmir does not have a shortage of culture. It has an abundance of it. What it needs is an institutional framework capable of recognising, protecting and nurturing that abundance. The Cultural Academy should not be judged merely by the number of programmes it organises. It should be judged by what happens to an artist after approaching it. By whether a young musician finds a platform. By whether a traditional artist finds dignity and fair remuneration. By whether an endangered folk tradition is documented before it disappears. By whether an old manuscript is preserved before it crumbles. By whether a priceless miniature painting is treated as heritage rather than decoration. And by whether a young Kashmiri artist sees the Academy as an institution of opportunity rather than another government office. The world has moved. Technology has moved. Artists have moved. Audiences have moved. Culture itself is moving. The Cultural Academy cannot remain still. It must reinvent itself, not to abandon its legacy, but to make that legacy relevant to the generation that will inherit it. Because ultimately, the test of a cultural institution is not how beautifully it displays the past. It is how responsibly it carries that past into the future. And somewhere between a Basohli painting hanging on a Secretariat wall and a Basohli painting preserved in a museum lies the larger question Jammu and Kashmir must now answer: Do we merely want to display our culture, or do we finally want to preserve, understand and invest in it?

NHM J&K reviews PM-ABHIM projects

Srinagar, Oct 15:In a concerted drive to transform medical infrastructure across the Union Territory, a high-level review meeting was convened Thursday under the chairmanship of Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K. The meeting, as per an official statement, brought together key stakeholders, project executing entities including HSCC (India) Ltd. and administrative officials to evaluate the on-ground execution of critical healthcare networks. The deliberations focused extensively on accelerating the deployment of major health initiatives, prominently including the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and the Emergency COVID Response Package Phase II (ECRP-II). The Mission Director closely reviewed ongoing construction timelines for advanced critical care blocks, integrated public health laboratories, block public health units, and specialized pre-fabricated medical units designed to bolster public healthcare delivery across the UT.

JKEJAC, JKTF Ganderbal delegation meets CM Omar Abdullah

Ganderbal, Oct 15: A joint leadership delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Employees Joint Action Committee (JKEJAC) and the Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), District Ganderbal, met the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah on the sidelines of his visit to Dr Farooq Abdullah Environmental Park at Manigam on Thursday and presented a comprehensive memorandum seeking his personal intervention in addressing pressing educational, healthcare, infrastructural, and employee-related issues affecting Sub-Division Kangan and District Ganderbal. The memorandum underscored the urgent need of consideration of establishing additional PM SHRI Schools and Atal Tinkering Labs, creation of Master Grade posts in SSA middle schools, restoration of Master Grade posts shifted outside the district strengthening of primary education, hardship allowance for teachers serving in Zones IV and V, upgradation of Girls Middle School Arhama to High School, construction of auditoriums in prominent educational institutions, the delegation also sought implementation of Education Department Order No. 469, highlighting critical developmental priorities, the delegation pressed for lift irrigation from Lar Canal Head to Baba Canal via Haripora, establishment of a Degree College near Farooq Abdullah Park Manigam. On healthcare, it called for night-duty doctors at PHC Hariganiwan, NTPHC Chattergul, MMC Waliwar and MMC Wayil, IV infusion facilities at NTPHC Chattergul, a sustainable job policy for NHM employees, filling of vacant paramedical posts; a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, comprehensive diagnostic facilities at SDH Kangan and reation of a Block Medical Officer post for Tehsil Gund besides many others The leadership emphasised that these demands represent the legitimate aspirations of employees, teachers, students, patients, farmers and the general public, warranting a coordinated and time-bound response from the concerned authorities. It expressed hope that the Honble Chief Minister would give due consideration to the memorandum and facilitate appropriate action in the larger public interest. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shreya Singhal (IAS) Worthy Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, ADC Ganderbal Faheem Behaqi Sahib, SSP Ganderbal Shari Harshal Rajesh Mahajan (IPS), CEO Ganderbal Nazir Ahmad Khan Sahib, SDM Kangan Dr Nazir Ahmad Bhat Sahib and others.

On Progressive Farming

There is a quiet agricultural revolution taking place across Kashmir. Drive through villages and towns during the growing season and one keen observer can see a remarkable transformation. Traditional apple orchards are increasingly giving way to high-density plantations. Trees are smaller, planted closer together and managed more intensively. The objective is clear: more trees per unit of land, earlier production, better returns and greater productivity. For an apple grower struggling with rising costs and limited land, the attraction is understandable. But another change deserves our attention. In many places, the high-density apple orchard is no longer confined to agricultural land. The courtyard, the backyard and even the small open space immediately surrounding a house are increasingly being converted into orchards. Spaces that once served as childrens play areas, places for sitting in the evening, drying clothes, keeping livestock or simply enjoying fresh air are becoming productive agricultural units. This raises an uncomfortable question, are we modernising apple farming faster than we are modernising our understanding of the health risks associated with intensive farming? The question is not an argument against high-density apple cultivation. Kashmirs apple economy needs technological improvement, better productivity and efficient use of land. Farmers cannot be expected to remain dependent on low-productivity systems simply because they are traditional. The concern begins when intensive agriculture enters the immediate living environment of people, of a family. High-density orchards generally require closer management than traditional orchards. Depending on the crop, pest pressure and management system, farmers may use insecticides, fungicides, and other plant-protection products at different stages of cultivation. Spraying is an important part of commercial horticulture, and when used correctly, pesticides can protect crops and reduce economic losses. But a pesticide does not know where an orchard ends and a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom begins. During spraying, some of the material may remain on the target crop, while some can move away from the intended target through spray drift. Wind speed, droplet size, spraying equipment, application technique and weather conditions all influence where pesticide droplets eventually settle. The closer an orchard is to a house, the more important these factors become. This is particularly relevant when apple trees are planted immediately outside windows, beside kitchens, along pathways or around courtyards where people spend considerable time. The presence of pesticide residues near a home does not automatically mean that residents are being exposed to dangerous concentrations. Nor does the mere presence of an orchard prove that a health problem has been caused by pesticides. Such conclusions require scientific measurement. But absence of evidence is not evidence that there is no exposure. This is where Kashmir needs better agricultural thinking. We have invested considerable energy in promoting high-density apple cultivation. We discuss rootstocks, planting distances, irrigation, pruning, productivity and market returns. Farmers are encouraged to produce more fruit from smaller areas. All of this is important. But perhaps we have not asked enough questions about the space in which this transformation is occurring. What happens when a commercial orchard is planted two metres from a family kitchen? What happens when pesticide spraying takes place while children are playing in the courtyard? What happens when an elderly person spends most of the day inside a house surrounded by regularly sprayed apple trees? What happens when laundry is drying outside during spraying? These are not arguments against farmers. They are questions about agricultural planning. Traditionally, the distinction between agricultural land and residential space was relatively clear in many villages. Today, that boundary is becoming increasingly blurred. Land fragmentation, population growth, changing lifestyles and the economic attractiveness of horticulture are pushing agriculture closer to homes. The transformation is understandable. But perhaps our safety regulations and awareness programmes must transform at the same speed. The future of Kashmirs horticulture should ideally give us both. High-density apple farming can be a symbol of agricultural progress. But progress should not be judged merely by how much fruit we produce. It should also be judged by how intelligently we manage the risks that accompany production. Dr. Ashraf Zainabi is a faculty at IUST Awantipora J&K

AIPC J&K welcomes Madhu Goud Yaskhi as National Chairperson

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Jammu and Kashmir chapter of the All-India Professionals' Congress (AIPC) has extended warm felicitations to seasoned leader and two-time parliamentarian Madhu Goud Yaskhi on assuming charge as National Chairperson of the organisation. Congratulating the newly appointed chief on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir unit, the chapter, as per a statement, highlighted that Yaskhi's elevation brings valuable legislative, legal, and organizational depth to the professional wing of the party at a critical juncture. On behalf of the entire Jammu and Kashmir unit of the All-India Professionals' Congress, I extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri Madhu Goud Yaskhi on taking the helm as Chairperson. As a two-time Member of Parliament and an accomplished legal mind, his rich experience in public service and extensive organizational background will infuse fresh vigour into our ranks. We are confident that under his dynamic stewardship, AIPC will build a resilient, forward-looking leadership team capable of addressing contemporary socio-economic challenges and amplifying the voice of professionals from regions like Jammu and Kashmir on the national stage, said Sanjay Sapru, State Head, AIPC J&K. Having represented the Nizamabad constituency in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha and with an established international legal background, Madhu Goud Yaskhi bridges mainstream policymaking with the corporate and legal sectors. AIPC serves as a collaborative platform connecting doctors, lawyers, academicians, engineers, and corporate executives with civic dialogue. Yaskhi's proven track record as an articulate communicator will help translate grassroots professional feedback into actionable legislative and policy recommendations, the Jammu and Kashmir State Team stated with great enthusiasm.

MP Ghulam Ali Khatana interacts with youth in Kupwara

Kupwara, Oct 15: MY Bharat Kupwara organised a Yuva Samvaad Programme aimed at encouraging youth participation, promoting social responsibility and strengthening the collective resolve towards building a drug-free India. The programme was attended by Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), as the Chief Guest. The highlight of the programme, as per a statement, was the interactive session led by the MP with the youth in which the youth were guided towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. A Nasha Mukt Pledge was also administered to the dignitaries and participants to reaffirm their commitment to combating drug abuse and spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse among youth and society. Among others present at the event were Rafiq Shah, former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC); Nitin Hangloo, State Director MY Bharat J&K; Prof. Kamal Kishore, Principal, Government Degree College Kupwara; and Abid Nissar, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat Kupwara, and other distinguished dignitaries and participants. The programme emphasised the importance of collective efforts, community participation and youth-led initiatives in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse. The pledge served as a reminder of the responsibility of every citizen to contribute towards a healthy, aware and drug-free society.

Save the Fish

In the Kashmir valley, older fishers still describe a time when snow trout (Kaeshir Gaad in Kashmiri) filled the Jhelum and its tributaries so reliably that an hour on the water was enough to feed a family. That time is gone. Across the valley, fishers now report catch declines of up to 60%, and Schizothorax populations have disappeared entirely from stretches of river they once dominated. When a species collapses this visibly, the policy instinct is predictable: list it, and ban the fishing. It is the response that looks proportionate to the emergency. In Kashmirs case, it may also be the wrong one. The evidence does not point to fishing, still less to organized trade, as the primary driver of decline. Snow trout need cold, clear, fast-flowing water and clean gravel beds to spawn. What is destroying that habitat is riverbed and boulder mining, dam and barrage construction that fragments migratory routes, and sewage and agricultural runoff choking the rivers with nutrients. Unlike ivory or pangolin scales, there is no documented high-value black market moving snow trout across borders. The threat here is landscape-level and governance-level, not criminal. That distinction matters, because a listing built around a fishing ban targets the wrong actor. It falls hardest on traditional fishers including Kashmirs fisherwomen, who play an under-appreciated role in the valleys fish economy rather than on the mining operators, municipal bodies and hydropower developers actually degrading the habitat. And it comes at a real cost. In the remote river stretches where formal monitoring barely reaches, fishers are often the only people watching the water closely enough to notice a spawning bed silting up or a stretch running dry. Criminalize their presence on the river, and that intelligence goes underground exactly when the fishery needs it most. Theres a second, less obvious risk. Where enforcement is inconsistent as it typically is across remote Himalayan catchments, banning a culturally prized food fish doesnt necessarily stop people from catching it. It can simply push the trade into informal, unreported channels, which is worse for data and worse for the fish. And every hour a stretched state fisheries department spends chasing small-scale fishers is an hour not spent on the harder, less visible work of mining enforcement, sewage interception and fish-passage restoration, the interventions that would actually move the needle. This is not only a Kashmir problem. It is a preview of a decision the country will keep having to make as more of its freshwater endemics including snow trout across the wider Hindu Kush Himalaya, hill-stream loaches, regional mahseer populations slide toward formal threat status. In each case, the same question will recur: does the listing target the actual driver of decline, or does it just target the people easiest to catch doing it? The alternative is not weaker protection. It is differently designed protection. Kashmir already has the raw material for a co-management model: watershed-level councils that give fishers, including fisherwomens collectives, a formal seat alongside district fisheries officials and pollution regulators with real authority over seasonal no-take windows and habitat watch-lists, not merely an advisory role. Conservation finance that follows the actual drivers of decline: mining compliance and spawning-ground restoration, decentralized sewage interception in key trout reaches, invasive-species control in nursery habitat with funding disbursed against measurable outcomes like dissolved oxygen and juvenile density, not enforcement statistics. And if formal listing is still judged necessary, it should be conditional: legal recognition of threatened status paired with permitted, quota-bound community harvest and co-enforced sanctuary reaches, rather than a blanket ban that treats every fisher as a poacher. None of this is exotic. Rights-based, community-anchored fisheries management has consistently outperformed exclusionary bans in small-scale fisheries from Cambodia to the Pacific, largely because it gives the people closest to the resource a stake in protecting it, rather than a reason to hide from the people trying to. Kashmirs snow trout is not short of people willing to protect it. It is short of a policy that lets them.

Iqbal Tramboo welcomes Ease of Doing Business initiative

Srinagar, Oct 15: PDP spokesperson and Constituency Incharge Chanapora, Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo, has welcomed the Ease of Doing Business initiative, describing it as a positive step towards addressing the growing unemployment problem in Jammu and Kashmir and encouraging youth to pursue entrepreneurship and self-employment. Tramboo, in a statement issued, said that young people aspiring to establish their own ventures often face lengthy official formalities, bureaucratic hurdles and unnecessary delays in obtaining clearances, which ultimately discourage them from pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions. He said the effective implementation of the initiative would help reduce red tapism, simplify procedures and facilitate the timely establishment of enterprises, enabling young people to become job creators rather than depend solely on government employment. Given the extent of unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, simplifying business procedures is a welcome step. Our youth have the talent, ideas and determination to build their own enterprises, but unnecessary official formalities often exhaust them and discourage their efforts. The Ease of Doing Business initiative must translate into tangible relief for aspiring entrepreneurs on the ground, Tramboo said. However, he stressed that economic development must not come at the cost of the Union Territorys fragile ecology. He called upon the government to ensure a proper balance between the Ease of Doing Business and the Ease of Living while framing the implementation guidelines. Jammu and Kashmir has a fragile ecological environment that demands careful consideration in every development policy. While facilitating investment and entrepreneurship, the government must ensure that environmental safeguards remain a priority. The objective should be to create an enabling business environment that generates employment, improves peoples lives and protects our natural heritage, he added. Tramboo said a transparent, simplified and environmentally responsible policy framework would encourage entrepreneurship, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and contribute to the long-term economic well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

From Control to Facilitation

For decades, entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir has been a journey of extraordinary perseverance, not merely against economic uncertainties, political disturbances and shrinking markets, but also against an administrative system that too often treated entrepreneurs as supplicants rather than contributors to society. Those who invested their lifetime savings, mortgaged ancestral properties, created employment and kept their enterprises alive through difficult circumstances frequently found themselves pleading before government officials for permissions, clearances and even their legitimate dues. Instead of encouragement and facilitation, they encountered suspicion, procedural hurdles and bureaucratic control. How different has been the approach in Europe and most economically advanced countries, where entrepreneurs are recognised as drivers of investment, innovation, employment and prosperity. Governments generally regard bureaucracy as an instrument for facilitating lawful enterprise, not exercising dominance over those who undertake commercial risks and create livelihoods. The guiding principle is simple: administration exists to serve legitimate economic activity, not to make entrepreneurs subservient to it. India, unfortunately, inherited a different administrative culture from its colonial past. For decades after Independence, the Licence Raj placed entrepreneurs at the mercy of officials for permissions, approvals and inspections. Those who invested their savings, mortgaged properties and generated employment were reduced to petitioners before officials whose responsibility should have been to facilitate them. Economic liberalisation in 1991 dismantled much of the Licence Raj, but its mindset survived. The bureaucrat continued to be perceived as the authority and the entrepreneur as someone seeking a favour. A significant turning point came in 2009 when representatives of 19 leading MSME associations across India approached Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, highlighting hardships caused by bureaucratic hurdles, Inspector Raj, complicated regulations, inadequate institutional credit and ineffective rehabilitation mechanisms. Recognising these concerns, the Prime Minister constituted a high-level Task Force on MSMEs under his Principal Secretary, T. K. A. Nair, to recommend corrective measures. I had the privilege, as head of an industrial chamber in Jammu and Kashmir, of being nominated as member to the Task Force. Having witnessed the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs, I regarded this as an opportunity to bring their grievances before the highest levels of government. The Task Force submitted 85 recommendations, of which 77 were accepted. Although implementation remained uneven, the exercise marked an important milestone towards recognising enterprise facilitation as an entitlement rather than a bureaucratic favour. Successive governments carried this process forward, particularly after 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through Make in India, Startup India, Business Reform Action Plans, digital single-window systems, simplified MSME registration and reduction of regulatory compliances. According to Government of India figures reported in November 2025, thousands of compliances had been simplified, digitised, decriminalized or eliminated where found redundant. The Jan Vishwas legislation further advanced the transition from punitive regulation towards trust-based governance. These reforms reflected a growing recognition that entrepreneurs should not waste precious time moving between government offices seeking permissions. Every day lost means delayed production, mounting liabilities and lost employment opportunities. Yet the distance between policy declarations and administrative practice remained considerable. In Jammu and Kashmir, this gap was particularly distressing. Before 2019, the erstwhile States special constitutional and legal arrangements meant that several Central reforms required separate action for their application here. Many progressive measures either failed to reach Jammu and Kashmir or were not effectively implemented, depriving entrepreneurs of protections available elsewhere. Even elementary facilitation was often treated as a concession. One experience from my tenure as head of an industrial chamber remains particularly vivid. We had to vigorously pursue the implementation of the MSME delayed-payment provisions, eventually secured during Governor N. N. Vohras tenure. The law entitled supplying enterprises to receive payments within prescribed timelines, failing which buyers became liable to pay substantial interest on delayed dues. Ironically, officials would caution us that the government would have to pay through the nose if the law was implemented, because payments were frequently delayed. I often wondered why an entrepreneur, having invested in raw materials, paid wages and supplied goods to a government department, should suffer merely because the department failed to release his legitimate payment. Even after these provisions came into operation, effective enforcement remained elusive. Enterprises continued to suffer from withheld payments, mounting bank interest and even the risk of their accounts slipping into the NPA category. Instead of recognising timely payment as an entrepreneurs right and the governments obligation, the financial consequences of official delays were cited as grounds for resisting reform. Administrative convenience appeared to matter more than the survival of enterprises and the livelihoods dependent upon them. Unfortunately, even after the constitutional changes of 2019, the expected transformation remained elusive. Certain Ease of Doing Business measures were introduced, but their spirit was frequently contradicted by unilateral orders of the Industries and Commerce Department in the name of regularisation of industrial activity. Entrepreneurs still required permissions for routine decisions, including induction of partners or directors, changes in business constitution, alteration of activity or addition of new products. Each application could involve multiple No Objection Certificates, sometimes from departments having little relevance to the proposed change. Matters that should have been settled within days dragged on for months or years. There have been instances where, following an entrepreneurs death, grieving families endured exhausting formalities to transfer an industrial unit to lawful heirs. When they needed sympathy and support, they found themselves moving between offices merely to preserve an enterprise built through years of sacrifice. What could be more painful than losing a familys breadwinner and then struggling with the administration to save the enterprise he left behind? Such experiences reveal how deeply the culture of control had become embedded. Entrepreneurs were treated with suspicion rather than trust, as though legitimate business decisions required official indulgence. Another ordeal has been the contradictory interpretation of policy provisions. Despite the governments exemption of industrial units from stamp duty and court fees, the two Directorates of Industries have adopted conflicting interpretations, defeating the spirit of the incentive. Equally distressing is the collection of crores of rupees as application fees from aspiring young and educated entrepreneurs without allotting them land. Even those allotted plots in industrial estates have waited years for physical possession, leaving investments stranded and careers in uncertainty, with little accountability for the consequences. Against this background, following the installation of the elected government in 2024, industry leaders and representative bodies approached Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking meaningful Ease of Doing Business reforms in line with those applicable in other states and a new industrial policy to address the difficulties of existing enterprises while encouraging fresh investment and employment. The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to initiate the reform process. Besides examining submissions from industrial chambers, the government reviewed relevant Government of India laws, regulations and Ease of Doing Business reforms introduced elsewhere. A three-member committee was constituted to draft the new industrial policy, while Ease of Doing Business reforms were pursued separately to facilitate private investment across sectors, including industrial, commercial, trade, hotels, hospitality business, real estate, professional, institutional, educational or any other activity in the social sector carried out by an enterprise. The proposed legislative framework received Cabinet approval and was placed before the Legislative Assembly, which passed it during its recently concluded session. For those of us who have witnessed these struggles for decades, the development carries considerable significance. The demand has never been for exemption from environmental safeguards, labour protections or other legitimate obligations, but for freedom from unnecessary interference, delays and arbitrary decisions. An entrepreneur must remain accountable to the law, not subservient to the discretion of an official. The legislation, having received the Lieutenant Governors assent, has nevertheless stirred a debate. The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), a prominent civil society group comprising largely retired bureaucrats, technocrats and other professionals, has voiced serious apprehensions about its implications for Jammu and Kashmirs fragile ecology, environment and other public interests, with some political voices echoing these concerns. While such concerns deserve due consideration, the decades-long ordeal of entrepreneurs that necessitated these reforms cannot be overlooked. Are the apprehensions expressed by the GCC genuine and well-founded, premature in the absence of notified rules and guidelines, or rooted in interpretations that overlook the safeguards already provided in the Act? Can the legitimate need for enterprise facilitation be reconciled with the equally important responsibility of protecting our ecology, environment and collective interests? These questions, examined against the actual provisions of the new Ease of Doing Business Act, will form the subject of Part II. Shakeel Qalander, prominent business leader and a civil society animator