Colombo, Sep 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade should remain pivotal priorities as they are crucial for the growth and prosperity of South Asia. Singh made the remarks at a public event after he held an extremely productive meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during which they reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka would continue to work jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. Speaking on 'India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region-Civilisational Partners with intertwined destinies in Colombo, Singh also said that Indian and Sri Lankan ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while their maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity of the region. Together, India and Sri Lanka are well positioned to serve as the closest partners in safeguarding peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region, he said. Singh, who arrived in Colombo on Tuesday for a three-day visit, becoming the first Indian defence minister to visit Sri Lanka in 38 years, said that freedom of navigation and ensuring open trade routes are crucial for the growth and prosperity of the region. Therefore, secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, unhindered maritime trade and commerce should remain our pivotal priorities, he said. It is essential that we work together towards shaping a favourable, secure maritime environment, remaining ready to address emerging maritime challenges in the first instance, before they become a serious threat to our developmental interests and the bright future of our region, he said. Singh said that Sri Lanka occupies a salient strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region, overlooking a vast ocean characterised by crisscrossing busy trade routes. These routes are not only the arteries for global trade, but also determine the trajectory of our growth and development as well as the safety and security of our region, he said. Today, the Indian Ocean is not merely a waterway, but the stage on which the economic and strategic future of our region will be written, he said. For India and Sri Lanka, both maritime nations bound by this shared ocean, this is not a matter of abstract theory but of lived, everyday reality one that shapes our trade, our security and our destinies alike, he said. Sri Lanka, like India, is undoubtedly central to any strategic discourse on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the minister said. In Sri Lanka, India sees a friendly neighbour, a longstanding friend and a reliable partner. India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation is thus not only mutually beneficial but quintessential to our collective safety and security, Singh said. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Indian Ocean has come to occupy a place of immense contemporary relevance. As emerging economies and fellow democracies, we have a shared future, he said. Singh said India would be delighted to share its experience and work closely with Sri Lanka for the continued growth and prosperity of the region. Our development projects in Sri Lanka are always focused on the requirements of the people of Sri Lanka and the priorities set by the Sri Lankan Government. As the Indian Ocean is entering into a period of profound strategic and economic transformation, India and Sri Lanka must synergise their efforts and build upon our collective competencies to tackle the emerging challenges, the minister said. Our ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while our maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity not only of our own people but our region as well. The future of IndiaSri Lanka relations should therefore be based on a simple premise that proximity creates interdependence, which in turn creates immense opportunities for a shared evolution, he said, terming Sri Lanka a trusted global friend. On the fishermen issue, Singh said the two countries need to work together to address fisheries disputes in a mutually beneficial manner, keeping in view the relevant laws and geographic jurisdictions. We need to work together to strengthen our systems to avoid fisheries disputes, handle them with due care and concern as this is a livelihood issue, while at the same time ensure maritime law enforcement, he said. I foresee a future where our two countries move forward as joint stakeholders in developing a mutually beneficial and integrated maritime domain awareness system to provide comprehensive maritime information on a real-time basis. This would entail systematic cooperation and interaction amongst concerned agencies, navies and Coast Guards of the two countries with a view to addressing the challenges of illegal fishing, suspicious vessel tracking, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other security threats, he said. India is always willing to join hands with Sri Lanka in areas like capacity building and exercises, Singh said, adding that India is also committed to assisting Sri Lanka in whichever way possible to further enhance such cooperation. He said that going beyond the traditional template, the two countries need to build upon the existing complementarities and develop new paradigms for a closer and stronger maritime partnership. This is the basis of MAHASAGAR, Prime Minister Modis vision for the Indian Ocean Region. Mutual and Holistic are key words in this concept, underscoring the importance of synergy, cooperation and collaboration, he said. Our two countries can establish a joint maritime HADR system by involving all concerned agencies, disaster management and scientific organisations to cooperate and provide rapid response in cases of natural calamities and man-made disasters, he said. Singh said maritime cooperation should include, in addition to the security framework, an institutionalised structure for deepening and strengthening an economic framework in areas including fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, maritime environment protection and preservation and maritime tourism.
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J&K HC bins discharge order, says secessionist slogans alongside separatist leader attract UAPA
Srinagar, Sep 9: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has set aside the discharge of an accused in a UAPA case stating that secessionist sloganeering in a mob in the presence of the head of a banned separatist organisation prima facie falls under the definition of unlawful activity. A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar set aside the discharge of Mohammad Yousuf Lone in a 2013 UAPA case by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (Designated Special Court under NIA Act) Kupwara. The sloganeering for secession, raised by an accused leading a mob in the company of the head of a proscribed separatist organisation, coupled with incitement of the public and violence against security forces, is capable, on a prima facie appreciation, of falling squarely within this definition, the bench observed in its order. According to the case, a mob headed by Mohammad Yousuf Lone and Late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the banned Hurriyat Conference, came out of Jamia Masjid in Kupwara on November 8, 2013, raised anti-national slogans against the Government of India, and pelted stones at police and security forces. The separatist leaders also allegedly instigated the general public against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union of India, according to the chargesheet. The trial court has recorded, in a single sentence in paragraph 6 of the order impugned, that the facts 'do not fulfil the ingredients of Sections 2(o) of ULA(P) Act' without setting out the reasoning by which the specific statements or conduct attributed to the respondent in the chargesheet were tested against the statutory definition. This amounts to a bare conclusion rather than a reasoned finding, the high court said. It said the material with chargesheet -- including the recorded slogans, the leadership role attributed to the respondent, and the resultant violence -- discloses a strong suspicion sufficient to put the respondent on trial, leaving the question of whether the charges are ultimately proved to be examined at trial and not foreclosed at the threshold. It is trite that an order of discharge must reflect application of judicial mind to the material on record, and that the findings at the charge stage, though summary, cannot be conclusory. However, it is abundantly clear from perusal of the order impugned that the same does not indicate that the specific contents of the chargesheet, the statements of the witnesses to the procession, the site plan, and the material, alleged to link the respondent to the incitement and the resultant violence, were tested against the ingredients of Section 13 read with Section 2(o) of the UAPA before the conclusion of non-applicability was recorded. On this ground, the order impugned is unsustainable and calls for interference, it added. The court said it is neither making any definitive finding on the guilt or innocence of the respondent, nor expressing any opinion on the ultimate merits of the case. However, when specific material is brought on record that, on the face of it, discloses the commission of an offence and the complicity of the respondent, the trial court cannot act as a mute spectator and shut the doors of trial without assigning valid legal reasons, it added. Allowing the criminal appeal filed by the state, the high court directed that the chargesheet be restored and the trial court proceed with the framing of charge against the respondent afresh after considering the material placed on record by the appellant.
Allies NC, Congress at loggerheads over full rendition of Vande Mataram at J&K film festival
Srinagar, Sep 9: Tensions appear to be growing within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance, with the National Conference pushing back against ally Congress on Wednesday over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. The National Conference (NC) said it was a statutory obligation to play the full national song at a state event and that no one would be forced to sing. The controversy erupted after the unabridged version of the national song was played at the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah on Monday. The Congress, which provides outside support to the NC-led government in the Union territory and shares a broader national alignment under the opposition INDIA bloc, publicly expressed strong disapproval over the incident. The Congress has six MLAs in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Responding to the criticism, NC chief spokesperson Tanveer Sadiq told reporters that government protocol must be separated from party ideology. The National Conference has a clear stance. When Parliament has adopted it, playing Vande Mataram becomes a statutory obligation and that is what the government did, Sadiq said. Chief ministers in non-BJP states like Telangana and Karnataka have also played the complete version of Vande Mataram at official functions, he said. As far as the party's stand is concerned, anyone who wants to sing Vande Mataram can do so and no one will be forced, he added. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah later shared Sadiq's statements on X. On Tuesday, Congress general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal posted a video of the IFFJK on X, asserting that the unabridged version of Vande Mataram sits uneasily with the syncretic and pluralist ethos that our freedom fighters envisioned and nurtured for India. He urged alliance partners to honour the Congress' historical 1937 working committee resolution, which adopted a truncated version of the song to respect India's religious diversity and conscience. Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra on Wednesday expressed concern over the NC's move, stating that national symbols must reflect India's constitutional temperament. The adopted version represented a conscious balance, preserving historic significance while remaining sensitive to India's plural ethos, Karra wrote on X. National symbols acquire greater dignity when they accommodate Indias diversity, not when that diversity is asked to accommodate them, he said. NC spokesperson Sadiq tagged Karra in a post on X in which he shared videos of Independence Day functions in Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana where the full version of Vande Mataram was played. Jenab Tariq Karra saheb, please take a look at your Congress CMs and share your valuable thoughts with everyone. Thank you! Sadiq said.
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Salman Sagar apologises over Tanvir Sadiqs one pair of trousers remark
Srinagar, Sep 09: National Conference leader and MLA Salman Sagar on Wednesday apologised on behalf of party colleague Tanvir Sadiq over his controversial remarks that, during the time of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, poverty in Kashmir was so severe that an entire village would sometimes share a single pair of trousers. If anyones sentiments have been hurt, or rather, if the majority of people feel that Tanvir Sadiq Sahib said something wrong, then I believe there should be an apology, Sagar said. He said Sadiqs remarks were not intended to demean Kashmiris, but were meant to highlight Sheikh Abdullahs efforts towards the economic empowerment of the people. What he meant was that Sheikh Abdullah had made efforts towards the economic empowerment of the people here, Sagar said, referring to education, infrastructure and land reforms.
Sagar apologises on Tanvirs behalf, says issue should not be dragged further
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Every School, A Model School: PM SHRI scheme targets 14,500 exemplar schools; 13,092 selected so far
New Delhi, Sep 09: The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme has made significant progress towards its target of developing more than 14,500 existing schools as exemplar institutions aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with 13,092 schools selected across 36 States and Union Territories as of July 2026. Launched on September 7, 2022, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, with a total project cost of 27,360 crore for the period 202223 to 202627. The initiative seeks to transform selected schools into model institutions by strengthening infrastructure, pedagogy, inclusion and sustainability, while equipping students with 21st-century skills. The selected schools are also envisaged as mentor institutions for neighbouring schools, sharing best practices through mentoring, handholding, collaboration and clustering. According to the Ministry, the 13,092 selected schools represent around 90 per cent of the schemes envisaged target and are expected to directly benefit more than 20 lakh students. The network includes schools under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The scheme has a Central share of 18,128 crore. The approved Project Approval Board outlay increased from 2,520 crore in 202324 to 5,224 crore in 202627, marking an increase of around 107 per cent. PM SHRI schools are designed to promote inclusive, equitable and joyful learning, with emphasis on experiential and learner-centred education. They also focus on green and sustainable practices, quality infrastructure, improved learning outcomes, technology-enabled education and exposure to future-ready skills. The initiative promotes experiential learning through activities such as bagless days, internships with local artisans, study of local arts and traditions, and preservation of indigenous knowledge. It also encourages the use of mother tongue and local or regional languages, particularly in the early grades. Technology-enabled learning is another key component, with schools being supported through ICT facilities, smart classrooms, internet connectivity, digital learning platforms and STEM-based programmes. These interventions aim to strengthen digital literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students. The PM SHRI network currently covers 725 districts and 8,340 blocks/ULBs. Of the 13,092 selected schools, 1,305 are primary, 3,102 upper primary, 3,141 secondary and 5,544 higher secondary schools. The network also includes 80 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, 913 KVS schools, 620 NVS schools and four NCERT schools. Selection of schools is carried out through a three-stage Challenge Mode based on prescribed quality benchmarks. The process involves signing of an MoU with the Centre, identification of eligible schools using UDISE+ data, and selection through a challenge-based assessment followed by physical verification. For the Challenge Method, schools in urban areas are required to secure a minimum score of 70 per cent, while those in rural areas require at least 60 per cent. The assessment covers infrastructure, learning outcomes, pedagogy, PM POSHAN, vocational education, green initiatives and stakeholder commitment. The scheme also focuses on strengthening teacher capacity and school leadership through professional development programmes. Principals receive training in educational leadership and school management, while teachers are trained in areas including competency-based pedagogy, ICT integration, school safety and the Holistic Progress Card. The government envisages PM SHRI schools as institutions that demonstrate and disseminate innovative educational practices that can be replicated by neighbouring schools, creating a wider impact on the school education system and advancing the vision of an equitable, inclusive and future-ready India.
Srinagar, Sep 09: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has nominated four Administrative Secretaries as nodal officers for key themes to be taken up at the 6th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, scheduled to be held in December 2026. The nominations have been approved through Government Order No. 1496-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department on September 8, 2026. According to the government order, the Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department has been designated as the nodal officer for the theme concerning five specific priority objectives for each State towards the attainment of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Administrative Secretary, Mining Department has been assigned the theme of development of the mining sector towards economic development and better State finances. For the theme Technology in Governance, the Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department has been nominated as the nodal officer. Meanwhile, the Administrative Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department will coordinate the theme Good Practices/New Ideas for Expediting Linear Infrastructure Projects. The order states that the concerned departments shall coordinate with the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department and facilitate the timely collection, compilation and finalisation of the requisite inputs for the conference. The 6th National Conference of Chief Secretaries is expected to focus on key governance and development priorities, including mining, infrastructure, technology-driven governance and implementation of reform-oriented initiatives. The government has also forwarded copies of the order to senior officials, including the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Mining Department; Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Public Works (R&B) Department; Commissioner/Secretary, Information Technology Department; Commissioner/Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, besides other concerned authorities. The order was issued by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, on behalf of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)
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Goods train wagon derails in J-K's Kathua, rail traffic disrupted for hours
Jammu, Sep 09: Rail traffic on the Jammu-Kathua link was disrupted for several hours on Wednesday after a wagon of a goods train derailed at Chhan Arorian railway station in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The derailment occurred around 9:30 am. The vital route connects Jammu and Kashmir with other parts of the country. Railway authorities and officials reached the spot soon after the incident and initiated an assessment of the situation. The derailed wagon was subsequently moved aside, clearing the track for resumption of rail traffic around noon, the officials said. No damage to railway property has been reported. The incident is being investigated and the exact cause of the derailment is being ascertained, they said.
51 SMC employees face corruption cases, inquiries: RTI
Srinagar, Sep 8:At a time when the Srinagar Municipal Corporation is grappling with hundreds of vacant posts, its records show that 51 of its employees are facing enquiries or corruption cases before different agencies. The figure has emerged from an RTI application filed by this correspondent, who sought information from the corporation on employees facing corruption cases. In its reply, the SMC Public Information Officer said the records available with the concerned section showed that 51 employees were facing enquiry/cases in different agencies. The response puts the number of employees facing such proceedings at 51, but does not provide case-wise details. The corporation has not disclosed the names of the employees, the agencies before which the matters are pending, the allegations involved or the stage of the proceedings. The disclosure comes against a backdrop of manpower shortages within the civic body. In an RTI reply issued by SMC showed that the corporation had 2240 employees in position against a sanctioned strength of 3110 posts. This left 870 sanctioned posts vacant. The vacancy figure amounts to nearly 28 percent of the corporations sanctioned strength, leaving a substantial gap between the workforce the corporation is authorised to maintain and the number actually in position. The corporation had moved to fill only a small portion of these vacancies. According to the RTI reply, 39 posts of Junior Assistants, two posts of Works Supervisor Grade-IV and 14 posts of Tax Assistants had been referred to recruitment agencies. Together, these account for 55 posts. The figures mean that 815 of the 870 vacant sanctioned posts were not among those referred to recruitment agencies, according to the information supplied by SMC. The workforce figures also reveal the extent to which the corporation relies on workers outside its regular establishment. While 2240 employees were shown as working in the corporation, SMC separately reported 2366 consolidated and daily-wage workers. There were another 1544 consolidated sanitation workers, while the regular strength of safaiwallas stood at 1346. The corporation reported no employees under the contractual category. Taken together, the figures show a civic body with a sizeable workforce operating alongside a large pool of vacancies in its sanctioned structure. At the same time, the disclosure of 51 employees facing enquiries or cases before different agencies adds another dimension to the administration of the corporation. The RTI response does not state that the employees have been found guilty, nor does it provide the outcome of the proceedings. It records that, according to information available with the concerned SMC section, 51 employees are facing enquiries or cases in different agencies.
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Party position, govt obligation are separate: Tanvir Sadiq on Vande Mataram
Srinagar, Sep 9: Senior National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday said respecting Vande Mataram at government functions was a statutory obligation, while maintaining that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the national song. Sadiq was responding to criticism over the issue, with the Congress also facing criticism and the BJP alleging that the party had an anti-Pakistan, pro-Pakistan tendency. National Conference has always had a stated position. We have neither adopted a two-stance nor have we ever adopted a six-stance. We understand that the party is separate and the government is a different thing, Sadiq said. He said that once the matter had been accepted by Parliament, it became an obligation for the government to follow it at official functions. When it has been accepted in Parliament, then it becomes a statutory obligation of the government that at any government function, whether it is the Vande Mataram song or the anthem, one has to stand and respect it, and that is what we are doing, Sadiq said. He pointed to the participation of Congress chief ministers in Karnataka and Telangana in Independence Day events, saying they too had stood through the song. If that is the case, before pointing a finger at us, this is a statutory obligation which has become law, and we have to follow that law, he said. At the same time, Sadiq reiterated the National Conferences position that no one should be forced to sing Vande Mataram. As far as the partys own position is concerned, we have always said that whoever wants to sing Vande Mataram should absolutely sing it, but there should be no force or compulsion on anyone who does not want to sing it, he said. On reports that only around Rs 2,400 crore out of an allocation of nearly Rs 10,000-11,000 crore under the Jammu and Kashmir UT budget had been utilised, with around Rs 8,000 crore still pending, Sadiq said he did not have information about the figures. Off hand, I do not know about this. The Finance Department would know about it because you have shared this matter with us. Let us bring some information on it and see what the reality is, because a lot of rumours are spreading these days. It is better that we bring some input first and then share it with you, he said. Asked about the demands of daily wagers ahead of the Assembly session and the ongoing strike by National Health Mission employees, Sadiq said the government wanted to resolve genuine demands. Just as the issue of interns was a very big issue, the Honourable Health Minister resolved it. This government will always want that whatever genuine demands its people have, whether they are employees or anyone else in Jammu and Kashmir, should be resolved in some way, he said. Sadiq said the upcoming Assembly session would provide a platform for raising issues concerning people. Now the Assembly is coming. There are many things. It is a platform where peoples voices are raised, he said. We hope that peoples issues are raised, their bills are passed, resolutions are passed, and some resolution is reached on the important work concerning the people. That is why we will be in the Assembly, Sadiq added.
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Ladakh tourism reaching new heights as over 4 lakh tourists visit in 2026: LG Saxena
Ladakh, Sep 09: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday said that tourism in the Union Territory has reached new heights, with 4.05 lakh visitors visiting the hilly region in the first eight months of 2026. This year-on-year tourism growth is a testament to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji's vision for promoting domestic tourism and the Centre's sustained push for infrastructure development, along with the tourism-friendly policy framework in Ladakh, the LG said. Sharing statistics on his X handle, Saxena said that in just eight months of 2026, Ladakh received 4.05 lakh visitors, surpassing the entire 2025 tourist footfall of 3.35 lakh by 20.61 percent. Comparing last year's figures with those of 2026, he said Ladakh witnessed a 50.37 percent growth in tourist arrivals this year. Ladakh received 2.69 lakh tourists between January and August 2025, which rose to 4.05 lakh during January to August 2026, an increase of 50.37%, he said. The total tourist footfall of 45,201 in August 2025 increased to 74,753 in August 2026, marking a jump of 65.38 percent, he shared. Giving further details, he said Ladakh received 25,082 foreign tourists between January and August 2025, which rose to 33,346 during the same period in 2026, marking an increase of 32.95 percent. The numbers reflect the phenomenal surge in tourism, the LG said. Saxena reaffirmed his commitment to building a sustainable, responsible and year-round tourism economy in Ladakh. By promoting off-season festivals and events, we are creating sustained livelihood opportunities for our local youth, artisans and homestays, while offering visitors a peaceful, less crowded and affordable experience, he said. He appealed to all travellers to come and explore the unmatched beauty and culture of Ladakh.
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Kashmir film festival can soon compete with Cannes, says filmmaker Akbar Khan
Srinagar, Sep 09: Renowned Bollywood actor and filmmaker Akbar Khan has hailed the first-ever film festival in Srinagar, saying the event has the potential to grow into an international cultural landmark and eventually compete with the Cannes Film Festival. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Khan congratulated Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the organisers for what he described as a spectacular opening festival. The show was mesmerising, soulful and captured the rhythm and the purpose of this first-ever film festival in Srinagar, Khan said, praising the musical performances at the opening ceremony. He particularly recalled the performances of Dr Janas-e-R Akhtar, Rani and Falak, saying they captured the mood of the festival and the heart of the beginning of such a beautiful initiative. Khan also praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's speech at the inaugural event, describing it as very heart-rendering. He was so prolific, recollecting the nostalgia of the Indian film industry, the Bollywood film industry, capturing chapter by chapter, moment by moment, how the people of Jammu and Kashmir love the units and the film stars and the directors and the producers who come and make the films here, he said. Recalling Bollywood's long association with Kashmir, Khan referred to films that helped establish the Valley as one of Indian cinema's most evocative locations. He specifically mentioned Junglee, saying the famous Yahoo call by Shammi Kapoor had become a kind of a call of the Valley for every filmmaker to come and shoot. Khan said the festival had been organised in a location uniquely suited to bringing filmmakers and cultures together. I would say that there could not have been a better place than Srinagar to be the chosen city for such a grand first-ever film festival, he said. He predicted that the event would rapidly acquire an international profile. I feel from year to year this festival will grow from strength to strength and very soon would be in competition with the Cannes Film Festival and maybe even get better, Khan said. He argued that Kashmir's landscape itself could become one of the festival's greatest attractions. Because Cannes does not offer such an environment. Such a beautiful landscape, he said. It becomes a source of all filmmakers when they visit such a place. According to Khan, filmmakers attending the festival would not merely watch films from different countries but would also be inspired by Kashmir itself. Besides watching films of each other countries and different great directors, they also get inspired by the soul of Kashmir, he said. Cinema is the most powerful medium Khan placed particular emphasis on cinema's ability to build bridges across communities and countries. I would like to mention that cinema is the most powerful medium that makes bridges between nations and civilisations, he said. It carries across borders, stories, civilisations, culture, people from different parts of the world who interact and meet and bring out, above all, their souls to understand each other. He said film festivals should therefore be judged primarily on artistic and cinematic merit. The greatest part of a film festival is that it should be judged on merits, Khan said. Every film that is being chosen should be judged on merits, on its cinematic excellence, free of prejudice, free from the changing winds of ideology. He said filmmakers, actors, producers and singers should be allowed to present their artistic work without ideological interference. Actors, directors, producers, singers come on to a platform and present their artistic cinema, music, art, culture, he said. Khan also spoke at length about the responsibility of filmmakers when dealing with India's history and communal relations. I am very vocal. I respect every filmmaker. Every filmmaker has the right to present his film, his ideas, but never distort history. Never distort history to serve a purpose of creating disturbance, hatred [against] one another, he said. He added: Cinema which spreads hatred should be discouraged in every nook and corner of the world, especially when it is designed for a specific propaganda. Khan said filmmakers could portray historical figures as heroes or villains, but should not manipulate history for a predetermined narrative. There are people who make films on villains and heroes and give the correct perspective as it is without dabbling it, without the historians and filmmakers diverting [it], he said. Kashmir has a very distinctive identity Khan also spoke about Kashmir's cultural identity, describing it as deeply rooted in Sufi traditions and communal coexistence. Jammu Kashmir is a very, very beautiful concept and identity. Kashmir has a very distinctive identity, he said. Like every state has its lovely identity in different ways. But Kashmir has the Sufism involvement where people of all caste and creed are one. Describing Kashmir as a secular centre which is mixed with warmth, love, affection, Khan referred to Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs living together through its history. He said India's civilisational diversity should be preserved and reflected responsibly through cinema. India is one of the greatest countries, a 5,000-year-old civilisation, he said, before invoking the historical reigns of Ashoka and Akbar. Khan recalled his own work on historical television productions, including The Sword of Tipu Sultan and Akbar the Great, saying his intention had always been nation-building. I first directed the first 22 episodes of The Sword of Tipu Sultan when my brother was struck by an unfortunate hand of destiny, he said, adding that he later made Akbar the Great. At that time, Sulh-e-Kul was the religion of Emperor Akbar, where every religion comes under one umbrella. Peace for all, submission to all, Khan said. I made that serial Akbar the Great again for nation-building. It brought harmony amongst the Hindus, the Muslims. Plans to bring Taj Mahal to Kashmir Khan also announced plans to bring his film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story to Kashmir for a premiere. My film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, inshallah, I will bring it to Kashmir to have a premiere of the film shortly and release it all over India again, he said. He said the film had already begun its international journey and recalled its screening in Malaysia. My film Taj Mahal has already started to take its first international journey on 6th February, 2006, where the Prime Minister of Malaysia had watched the film and he wrote a review, the same with the Minister of Culture, Khan said. He described the Taj Mahal as a symbol of love and said he wanted that message to reach audiences across the world. I want that this symbol of love, Taj Mahal, should sink into the minds and heart and soul of the people of the world, he said. It is the greatest message and Taj Mahal is one of our greatest monuments of pride before all the country. Khan concluded by thanking the organisers and praising Omar Abdullah and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah for what he described as their commitment to an inclusive society. I have enjoyed every moment of my stay here with the warm hospitality of every officer, bureaucrat, he said. He described Farooq Abdullah as one of the tallest leaders of a country who believes in the inclusive society, the love and harmony of a Brahman, of a Muslim, of a Christian, and a Jain. Khan said the presence of both father and son in Jammu and Kashmir's political leadership offered hope for the future. It is an amazing combination of a father and son and I am sure there will be great amount of peace, harmony, success and the people of Jammu Kashmir will soon be seeing a golden period, he said.
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In 1987, Kansas brought bisons back to Konza Prairie; 29 yrs later, native plant richness rose 103%
Iron transporting protein may help early diagnosis of heart disease, says study
New Delhi, Sep 09: Lower levels of serotransferrin, the blood protein that transports iron through the body, are an early indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD) and can help identify heart conditions earlier than routine clinical diagnoses, say scientists. Iron deficiency is prevalent in patients of CAD, a common cardiovascular condition characterised by a narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, primarily resulting from an accumulation of plaque or fatty deposits. An analysis of blood serum proteins by Delhis Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) has revealed the critical role of serotransferrin in identifying cardiac disease. Serotransferrin may have value as an early diagnostic marker, meaning it could potentially help identify CAD earlier than routine clinical diagnosis, Sagarika Biswas, corresponding author on the study, told PTI. A deeper understanding of how CAD develops is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and therapeutics, the IGIB researchers said. Serotransferrin, found in previous studies to contribute to CAD, presents a potential avenue for investigation, they said. Exploring molecular and cellular processes related to serotransferrin may help shed light on how CAD develops and identify new targets for treatment, the team said. Of the total 197 differentially expressed proteins, serotransferrin (TF), an iron transporter, showed downregulation in samples from CAD patients compared to healthy, the authors wrote in the study published in the journal Acta Cardiologica. Downregulation means lower than normal levels The study, involving 50 CAD patients and 40 healthy people, also showed an increased level of the cardiac marker 'troponin I' among those affected by the heart disorder, demonstrating an inverse relationship with serotransferrin levels. Troponin I is a specialised protein present in heart muscle cells, a damage or injury to which causes the protein to leak and enter the bloodstream. TF (serotransferrin) protein was significantly associated with CAD progression and inversely correlated with cTnI (troponin I), suggesting it (serotransferrin) could be a potential therapeutic target pending further molecular and clinical investigation, the authors said. Longitudinal studies would be required to estimate the duration in years before which serotransferrin could help identify CAD, explained Biswas, former distinguished chief scientist and professor at CSIR-IGIB's department of integrative and functional biology. The study linked reduced levels of serotransferrin with the inflammatory environment created due to damage in the inner lining of arteries, which leads to an immune response against the accumulated fatty deposits. According to Biswas, worsening ischaemia -- local anaemia due to a reduced blood flow caused by narrowed or blocked vessels -- and tissue injury can increase troponin I, whereas inflammatory and metabolic stress may suppress serotransferrin expression or availability in CAD. Further, levels of serotransferrin can reflect iron status in an individual. In standard iron studies, transferrin saturation below 20 per cent is commonly taken as evidence of iron deficiency, meaning less than 20 per cent of transferrin's binding sites are occupied by iron, Biswas said. Transferrin refers to the family of iron-binding proteins, while serotransferrin is a subtype found in blood serum and plasma. A region on a protein's surface to which another molecule attaches itself is a binding site. Serotransferrin is an iron-transport protein, so a lower level suggests (a) reduced iron-binding and transport capacity. The protein may contribute to the functional iron deficiency component of CAD by limiting plasma iron transport, but the study did not quantify its contribution as a percentage, Biswas said in response to a question.
Terror module run by ex-terrorist in hybrid mode busted: Handwara Police
Srinagar, Sep 09: Jammu and Kashmir Police said it has busted a terror module associated with the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), allegedly run by an ex-terrorist operating in hybrid mode in north Kashmirs Handwara. In a statement, an official spokesperson said that Handwara Police received reliable information regarding the activities of an ex-terrorist who was operating as a hybrid terrorist as part of a module of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in the HandwaraKupwara area. Acting swiftly on the information, Handwara Police, along with 21 RR and 92 Bn CRPF, launched a joint operation at the identified location in Handwara town. Following a meticulous security drill, the accused was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd Sultan Bhat resident of Kruhmura Handwara, the statement said During his apprehension, one Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession, it added. Pertainantly, as per the police statementy, the arrested individual is an ex-terrorist who had previously been arrested by Police in two cases. A case FIR number 232 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Handwara, and further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the module, its network and other associated activities, police said.
Ugandan communities plant 4,053 trees to rebuild a wildlife buffer near Bwindi
Singapore floats 122,000 solar panels on a reservoir; cuts 32,000 tonnes CO yearly
ACB traps Treasury clerk for demanding, accepting Rs 20,000 bribe
Rajouri, Sept 09: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday trapped and arrested a clerk posted at Government Treasury Kalakot for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. An official said that the accused clerk, identified as Khadam Hussain, was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from a complainant. The official said that following a complaint regarding the alleged demand for illegal gratification, the ACB laid a trap and apprehended the accused during the transaction. He said the accused was taken into custody and a case has been registered in the matter, while further investigation is underway.(KNO)
MeT predicts largely dry weather in J&K till Sep 20, brief showers at few places likely
Srinagar, Sep 09: Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Wednesday said that weather will remain generally dry in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 12 days with brief spells of rain at isolated to scattered places. As per the forecast, September 9-12 will remain generally dry with brief spell of rain at isolated places, while September 13-16 may see brief spell of rain/thundershower at scattered places towards early morning and afternoon hours. From September 17-20, weather is expected to remain generally dry with brief spell of rain at isolated places, a MeT official said. In its advisory, the MeT said farmers may continue harvesting of Apple & Paddy along with other farm operations.(GNS)
Report says Australian study finds 31 rugby league players with brain disease CTE
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. says a study has found that 31 rugby league players have been diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
Man dies after falling unconscious at Jammu police post, family stages protest
Jammu, Sep 09: A 32-year-old man died after he allegedly fell unconscious at a border police post in R S Pura sector near here early Wednesday, official sources said. The deceased, Uttam Chand, a resident of Rakh village, was called to the Chakroi police post following a complaint filed by a woman neighbour over a property dispute, the sources said quoting the preliminary information. They said the individual fell unconscious and was subsequently taken to the Sub-district Hospital R S Pura at around 4 am. Chand was referred to Government Medical College Jammu but died on way to the hospital, the sources said, adding the body was shifted to a mortuary for postmortem. Following the death, the family members and relatives of the deceased staged a protest, demanding clarity over the circumstances leading to the man's death and seeking appropriate action. Senior police officers have rushed to the spot, while additional personnel have been deployed both at Chakroi and at the hospital mortuary to maintain law and order, the sources said.
What was Kashmir like before turmoil | The Kashmir They Remember | Episode 1: Tahir Mohiuddin
What was Kashmir like before the turmoil, when newspapers shaped public debate, and Srinagars lakes, rivers and culture looked very different? In the first episode of The Kashmir They Remember, veteran journalist and Chattan editor Tahir Mohiuddin takes us through a lifetime in Kashmir from earning his first salary of Rs 100 and launching Chattan in 1985 to witnessing the Valleys political, social and cultural transformation. He recalls his stand against indefinite strikes, his encounters with leaders across the political spectrum, the changing face of journalism, the Kashmir he remembers and what he fears Kashmir may be losing. A conversation about memory, journalism, change and a Kashmir that once was. Host: Saqib Malik Camera: Mubashir Khan
240-million-year-old lost fossil revealed a new reptile related to dinosaurs and crocodiles
Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant Despite Having Regular Periods?
Even if you have regular menstrual cycles, it doesn't guarantee good fertility outcomes. A lot of women experience difficulty conceiving despite regular periods. Let's explore all the reasons in this article.
Midnight blaze destroys three houses, leaves six families homeless in Central Kashmir's Budgam
Khansahib, Sep 09: Three residential houses were completely gutted in a fire that broke out during the midnight hours at Khan Mohalla in Gurwait area of Khansahib in Budgam district, leaving six families homeless. The blaze engulfed the houses during the night and caused extensive damage to the residential structures, along with household belongings and other property kept inside. The fire prompted residents to rush to the spot as the blaze spread through the locality. Locals joined efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from causing further damage to surrounding properties. The destruction of the three houses has left six families without their homes, with their household possessions also damaged in the blaze. The incident has caused substantial disruption for the affected families, who were left without shelter following the complete damage to their residences. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a case. [KNT]
An inspection at an IRCTC-linked supplier in Kurla found cockroaches in storage and processing areas, uncovered food, food preparation near open garbage, among other deficiencies, an official release said.
New Menus In India For September-October 2026: The Dishes Worth Leaving Home For
From inventive tasting experiences and seasonal specials to reimagined regional favourites, restaurants across India are rolling out fresh menus this September and October. Here's the latest culinary offerings making their way to dining tables.
Tylenol use in pregnancy may be linked with uterus, ovary changes in daughters
A recent study suggests Tylenol use by mothers during pregnancy may affect infant reproductive organ development. Researchers observed smaller ovaries and uteruses in three-month-old girls exposed to the drug. This exposure was also linked to fewer ovarian follicles and lower reproductive hormone levels. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine implications for future fertility and menopause timing. Current guidelines still recommend Tylenol as safe for pregnancy pain and fever relief.
New food pop-up in Mumbai is celebrating Tamil and Malaysian food this September
From the Cholas to Rajinikanth, Tamil Nadu has a civilisational connection with the Far East Asia. An inspired pop-up seeks to link the many forgotten threads
Australia reintroduced digging mammals; 8 years later, underground insects changed
US military says it destroyed 5 Iranian oil tankers; Tehran hits back at American targets in Jordan
Washington, Sep 09: The US military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to the latest attacks on its warships and Tehran hit back at American targets in Jordan, the latest burst of back-and-forth strikes that have lurched the sides back toward open hostilities in a more than six-month-old war. Following the American strikes, Iran launched missiles toward US targets in Jordan, Iranian state-run media said. Jordan's military said its air defence systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles launched toward its territory and two others fell in places where no one lives. It said it has no reports of casualties. Jordan is a staunch US ally that hosts American forces, making the kingdom's military bases a target of repeated Iranian strikes. US Central Command said it had no information to offer. The latest strikes are part of a dual economic and military approach by President Donald Trump as he struggles to bring an end to the war. The Trump administration on Tuesday also imposed sanctions on additional elements of Iran's aviation industry, targeting more than two dozen commercial and private airlines as well as foreign cargo service providers, in its new push to isolate Tehran from its remaining trading partners. Both the US and Iran are seeking to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world's oil passed before the war began. Rising energy prices are posing political problems for Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. A barrel of international standard Brent crude briefly climbed as high as $99.46 on Tuesday. The US forces also destroyed three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday after Iran's Revolutionary Guards tried to attack a US aircraft carrier and destroyer with ballistic missiles, warning that it would, if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet. Iran later said it planned to announce a new exclusion zone near the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels intending to transit. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US will not allow Iran's attacks to go unanswered. Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships. And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers. And I think you'll see that again today, Rubio told reporters on Tuesday when asked about the latest attacks in Iran while on a trip to Colombia. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, warned that such back-and-forth strikes can only risk more retaliation and further impact on the global economy. There is no kinetic solution to the Strait of Hormuz problem, he said on social media. Every attempt to impose one only brings Washington and Tehran closer to an escalation that may become increasingly difficult to control. US Central Command said the military struck the tankers on Tuesday after the Revolutionary Guards targeted a Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The US warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and continued to patrol regional waters. No American personnel were harmed, it said in a statement. It said the Iranian tankers destroyed on Tuesday were the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1 and the Riesco in the Gulf of Oman. The US military also destroyed the vessel Derya, which was located near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement said the crews of the five vessels were told to abandon ship before the attacks. Iranian state television also reported the US strikes, saying US forces attacked Iranian oil tankers near the southern port of Jask and near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. It said the crews were evacuated. An Iranian state TV reporter in Jask said an Iranian tanker was struck near the coast of Yekbeni. State TV later reported that the US military attacked a second tanker near waters off Jask. Separately, state television reported that another Iranian tanker was attacked in the Kharg Island anchorage area. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy on Tuesday had warned crews of oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave their vessels, saying the ships could be targeted in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian tankers. It accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting US forces and assisting in the attacks. A US blockade of Iranian ports has squeezed the country's economy by limiting its oil exports, while the American military has been helping a limited number of ships transit on a route through the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. Tehran wants ships to follow a route that it chooses through the strait, which was considered an international waterway before the war.
Traffic advisory issued for oath ceremony Of Chief Justice in Srinagar today
Srinagar, Sep 09: Traffic Police City Srinagar has issued a traffic advisory for the oath ceremony of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. According to the advisory, the oath ceremony is scheduled to be held at Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST Kashmir, Srinagar today at 11:00 AM. In view of the ceremony, motorists intending to travel from Harwan-Shalimar-Nishat and other adjacent areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to travel via Foreshore route to reach their respective destinations. Similarly, those intending to travel towards Nishat, Shalimar and Harwan have been advised to adopt Foreshore Road via Shalimar Bridge. The police said that no vehicle shall be allowed towards SKUAST Kashmir and no vehicle shall move towards Shalimar via Ishber during the period. The advisory will remain in force for two hours from 10 AM to 12 Noon on September 9 till the oath ceremony is completed. Emergencies shall be allowed to take the shortest route. Citizens can contact Traffic Police Control Room No. 103 for any assistance, officials said.(GNS)
Arifa among 5 J&K films selected for IFFJK competition
Srinagar, Sep 8: Arifa , directed by Rohin Raveendran Nair, has been selected among five films for the J&K Select Section, the competitive category of the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026. Produced by Gubbara Entertainment and written by Durgesh Singh, Arifa is part of the three-film anthology Kashmir Muhabbat Se, which seeks to present an intimate and humane portrayal of Kashmir beyond headlines and stereotypes. The film follows an estranged daughter who returns to Kashmir to meet her dying father. Her return to the ancestral home brings buried memories to the surface, giving the father and daughter a final opportunity to confront their past and seek reconciliation. The film explores themes of family, memory, reconciliation and belonging against the backdrop of Kashmir. The other films selected for the J&K Select Section are Searching for the Grandpa, directed by Mohammad Wali; Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), directed by Siddarth Koul and Ankit Wali; Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir), directed by Kapil Mattoo; and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar), directed by Baba Tassaduq Hussain. According to festival organisers, the films were recommended by the Preview Committee after reviewing submissions and assessing their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section.
Cultural activities signal changing social atmosphere in Kashmir: Darakhshan Andrabi
Srinagar, Sep 8:J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Tuesday said the growing cultural activities and public participation in Kashmir indicate a changing social atmosphere, as the Valley hosts its maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK). Addressing the four-day festival, themed Rang-e-Cinema, at SKICC Srinagar, Andrabi said Kashmir had once again regained its vibrancy and that such platforms could showcase the regions cultural heritage, creativity and evolving identity to a global audience. Such platforms offer a vital opportunity to present the Valleys rich cultural heritage, creativity, and evolving identity to a global audience, she said. The festival has received more than 1,100 entries from 80 countries and also features a floating cinema on Dal Lake, an initiative being showcased as a first for the region. Andrabi described the public participation in IFFJK as a significant cultural development in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such initiatives could help reconnect Kashmir with the global community while creating new opportunities for local youth. She said the visible public participation and increasing cultural activities reflected the changes taking place in the region. I really feel good today for the first time. The happiness seen on the faces of people here, I credit it to PM Modi, she said. Andrabi said the people of Kashmir carried happiness in their hearts and eyes. People are really happy here, she added.
Kashmiri films can travel globally with right stories: Sriram Raghavan
Srinagar, Sep 8: Acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan on Tuesday said that Kashmir has the potential to develop on the lines of Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarati cinema and called for greater opportunities for local artists and filmmakers across Jammu and Kashmir. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) on the second day at SKICC here, Raghavan said the film festival could prove to be a significant catalyst for the growth of the local film ecosystem. For me, I think it is a vital thing that has happened. I am wondering why it has not happened yet. But now that it has happened, I think it will just continue and it will flourish, he said. Raghavan said greater interaction between filmmakers from different parts of the country and the local film community would create a beneficial exchange of ideas and exposure to world cinema. He said that Jammu and Kashmir should not be viewed merely as a location for shooting films, but as a place capable of producing its own stories and filmmakers. It is not like that. There should be stories from here. Local artists should also be brought here. We should give them a chance so that more youth can come here, he added. Raghavan said there was no reason why it could not achieve the kind of recognition enjoyed by regional industries such as Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarati cinema, saying that he was confident that a strong Kashmiri film industry will emerge in Kashmirs future. Where are the Kashmiri films? I am sure that the films will come gradually and the initial growth could come through smaller productions, he added. He further said that Kashmiri filmmakers should not feel compelled to make mainstream commercial films to reach a wider audience. Small and distinctive films with compelling stories could have greater potential to travel internationally. Dont think that it has to be a mainstream film. It can be a small film that will go all over the world. Its just a matter of getting the right story, he said. Raghavan also welcomed efforts to streamline the process of obtaining permissions for film shoots in the region, saying such measures could help the industry grow. Referring to Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs address, the filmmaker said he was impressed by the governments intent to bring change and facilitate filmmaking in J&K. I was very impressed with his speech. He really wants to see a change here. He is doing his best to reduce the single window. Lets see how. I think it will all really help, he said. Raghavan said the regions growing tourism and its locations could also provide opportunities for filmmakers, while cautioning that increased tourist activity could make popular destinations challenging for film shoots. He said the impact of initiatives such as IFFJK may become visible over the next few years and local youngsters will gain professional skills and eventually seek employment within the regions film industry. This is the first festival. You can see the difference in five years. In five years, they will be professionals. They will be looking for work here, he said. Raghavan added that while he had not interacted extensively with local people but he believed there was considerable interest in filmmaking among the youth and that more local participation would emerge with time.
CM Omar watches Mirzapur: The Movie at Inox multiplex
Srinagar, Sep 8:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday watched Mirzapur: The Movie at INOX Multiplex, Shivpora, Srinagar, as part of the ongoing International Film Festival Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), being held under the theme Rang-e-Cinema. The screening brought the Chief Minister alongside film enthusiasts and audiences attending the maiden edition of the four-day festival, which was inaugurated by him at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on September 7. During the visit, Omar Abdullah interacted with the films lead actors, including Pankaj Tripathi, who reprises his popular role of Kaleen Bhaiya, and Divyenndu, known for portraying Munna Bhaiya in the Mirzapur series. The Chief Minister felicitated the actors and welcomed their participation in the first edition of IFFJK. He appreciated their contribution to Indian cinema and said the presence of leading artistes and filmmakers would help strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs association with the film industry. He also expressed hope that such initiatives would contribute to developing a vibrant and sustainable film ecosystem in the Union Territory. The festival has brought together filmmakers, artists, delegates and cinema enthusiasts from India and abroad. According to the organisers, participants from more than 30 countries are attending, with over 130 films being screened during the four-day event. IFFJK aims to celebrate Jammu and Kashmirs longstanding relationship with cinema while providing filmmakers and audiences an opportunity to engage with diverse cinematic traditions from across the world. Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Director Information Shreya Singhal and other officials were present on the occasion.
Filmmakers seek policy push to revive local cinema in Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 8:Filmmakers participating in the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 have called for greater government support, policy incentives and dedicated exhibition space to revive local cinema and create a sustainable film ecosystem in the Valley. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a masterclass by filmmaker Shriram Raghavan at SKICC Srinagar, filmmaker and college teacher Mudabir said interactions with established filmmakers could help inspire young talent but would need to be backed by concrete opportunities. He said Raghavans experience across genres including thrillers, romance and commercial cinema made the masterclass particularly valuable for students and aspiring filmmakers. However, Mudabir said inspiration alone could not build a sustainable film industry in Kashmir. Cinema has not received much promotion in Kashmir. Local and indigenous filmmakers have limited scope to make films or showcase them before audiences, he said. He called for government measures such as subsidies and incentives for local film productions and suggested that cinema halls in Jammu and Kashmir reserve dedicated screening slots for locally produced films. Such measures can provide young filmmakers with an opportunity to move beyond training and discussions and actually produce and exhibit their work, he added. Filmmaker Shadab Alam said the increasing number of film-related activities in Kashmir was encouraging and indicated that perceptions about shooting in the Valley were changing. Alam said smaller production houses had traditionally been hesitant to shoot in Kashmir, while larger production companies were better placed to undertake productions in the region. I have been coming to Kashmir for the last 10 years and have continuously shot here, he said, adding that the ground reality was different from the apprehensions held by some filmmakers. He also highlighted the growing access to digital content among young people, saying affordable mobile data had brought cinema closer to a wider audience. Gen Z loves cinema, Alam said, while underlining the potential of Kashmirs young population as both an audience and a source of emerging filmmaking talent. The four-day IFFJK commenced in Srinagar on September 7, with the festival being positioned as part of efforts to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs engagement with the film industry and promote the Valley as a shooting destination.
Sagar thanks NC leaders, office bearers, workers for paying homage to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
Srinagar, Sep 8:The J&K National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar Tuesday expressed heartfelt gratitude to party leaders, office-bearers and workers, including those associated with the Youth and Womens wings, who visited the resting place of the late Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to pay homage on his 44th death anniversary. As per a party statement issued, he said that party office-bearers and workers visited the Mazar in the early hours of the morning and fulfilled their duty towards the revered leader. Sagar said that the National Conference is the name of a movement and has always worked towards safeguarding the integrity of Jammu and Kashmir, communal harmony and the interests of the people. He said that the people of all three regions can never forget, until eternity, the great and sacred sacrifices made by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
Complaint for remarks against PM Modi: High Court refuses to quash 2019 summons to Rahul Gandhi
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to quash the summons issued to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in 2019 by a magistrate court in a complaint over his alleged defamatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A single bench of Justice N R Borkar dismissed Gandhis petition against the magistrate courts order, but extended by six weeks an earlier directive to the lower court to defer hearing on the defamation plaint. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, sought the extension so that he can file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The direction to defer the hearing on the defamation complaint meant that Gandhi would not be required to appear before the magistrate. Justice Borkar said it did not find any perversity and illegality in the magistrates order and hence no reason to interfere. This court finds no infirmity in the order. Hence, the petition is dismissed, the HC said. The complainant, M H Shrishrimal, had opposed Gandhis plea in the High Court, claiming that being a member of BJP, he too was aggrieved by the remarks made against his leader. The court refused to accept Gandhis contention that the complainant was not an aggrieved party as the remarks were against a person and not the political party. BJP is a determinate body with a class of members, and complainant Shrishrimal is an active member of the party since 2018, Justice Borkar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a prominent face of the BJP, and any remarks made against him therefore cannot be said to be incapable of affecting those who are members of the party, the court said. The court added that whether the remarks made by Gandhi were of a personal nature intended against PM Modi alone could be determined only during the trial after examination of evidence and witness statements. After the court passed its order, Gandhis counsel Sudeep Pasbola urged it to extend the interim order passed in 2021 for eight weeks so that the Congress leader could appeal in the apex court. Shrishrimals lawyer, however, opposed this and said the trial in the case has been at a standstill since 2021. Justice Borkar continued the interim order for six weeks. Gandhi had challenged a Girgaum magistrates order of August 28, 2019, for a process against him on Shrishrimals complaint. The complaint had alleged that Gandhi defamed PM Modi in a public speech on September 20, 2018, in Rajasthan. Shrishrimal, in his complaint, alleged that apart from the remarks during the rally against PM Modi, Gandhi, on September 24, 2018, also posted a video on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account and repeated the same defamatory remarks. The complainant claimed these statements amounted to direct allegations against all members of the BJP and Indian citizens connected to PM Modi. Gandhis counsel Pasbola and advocate Kushal Mor argued that the complaint was frivolous and the complainant had no locus standi to file it. The complainant was not an aggrieved party and hence cannot file such a complaint, they had submitted.
Why not dialogue with J&K people when Centre talked to Nagaland, Punjab: Iltija Mufti
Kupwara, Sep 8:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader Iltija Mufti questioned Centres approach towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying when New Delhi has talked to the people of Nagaland and Punjab in the past then why not with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If the central government has talked with the people of Nagaland and Punjab, then why this double standard with regard to the people of Jammu and Kashmir? she asked. Speaking to reporters after a youth interaction programme at Town Hall Kupwara on Monday, Mufti said the Government of India should adopt the same approach towards Jammu and Kashmir as it had done in Nagaland and Punjab. She said the first step towards creating a conducive atmosphere should be the release of all political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir on compassionate grounds. Lakhs of people are languishing in jails, not only in the jails of Jammu and Kashmir but also in jails outside. Most of these inmates are from marginalised families who cannot even afford litigation, she said. Iltija alleged that PDP was not being allowed to raise its voice against the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Whenever PDP raises its voice against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, we are not being allowed to do so, she said. While slamming Omar Abdullah-led government Iltija said that the present dispensation has miserably failed to live up to the expectations of youth. The government jobs are now being outsourced, causing disappointment among job aspirants, she said. She said that NC government has failed to fulfil promises mentioned in their manifesto, including 200 free units of electricity, 12 free gas cylinders and one lakh jobs.
Srinagar, Sep 8:Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, in a post on X, said that the public statement by the JEI chief is concerning. He said it would be in the interest of peace and stability that New Delhi listen to peoples plea and revisit its policy of bans on social and political organisations in J&K, bringing an end to the harassment and intimidation that accompanies such restrictions. Mirwaiz, as per a statement issued, said that where these forced measures are challenged before the court of law, it is at least expected that due process is allowed to run its course fairly, without taking actions that render legal remedies meaningless. Attached properties and institutions should be treated with restraint and in accordance with law and judicial process. He further said that a sustainable political process cannot be built by excluding genuine voices or replacing them with convenient alternatives. Those who command real social and political presence must be allowed space and engaged through dialogue. Respect for the rule of law, fairness and meaningful political engagement remain essential for any way forward to real peace, Mirwaiz said.
JU celebrates 58th Foundation Day
The University of Jammu on Tuesday celebrated its 58th Foundation Day with Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai calling upon the University fraternity to move beyond conventional, marks-oriented education and build an academic ecosystem centred on problem-solving, project-based learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal relevance. Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rai said the 58th Foundation Day was not merely an occasion to celebrate the University's journey, but also a moment to reflect on the kind of institution it must become for the generations ahead. He said the University of Jammu had reached a stage where it must move beyond following established models and have the confidence to create new ones for higher education. I have never believed that we should simply copy another university. I want the University of Jammu to be an example for others, he said, calling upon the University fraternity to work collectively towards making Jammu University a model institution for the country. The Vice Chancellor said the changing world required universities to rethink the way students are taught, assessed and prepared for life. Education, he said, could no longer remain excessively centred on marks, examinations and rote learning. The real measure of a student should increasingly be the ability to think, collaborate, create and solve problems. We cannot determine the future of today's students according to the standards and circumstances of our own student days, he said. Emphasising project-based and interdisciplinary learning, the Vice-Chancellor said students from different disciplines should be encouraged to work together on real-life problems. He said the University had already begun experimenting with such approaches and urged faculty members to make project-mode learning an integral part of curriculum design. Assessment, too, must evolve to recognise both collaborative work and individual contribution. Referring to the University's new undergraduate-postgraduate programme, Prof Rai said the initiative was aimed at bringing students from different academic streams onto a common multidisciplinary platform, with exposure to areas such as Information Technology, mathematical ability, data, communication skills, coding, Artificial Intelligence and financial literacy. He cautioned that innovative programmes should not eventually slip back into conventional teaching practices. Please do not take it towards rote learning. Take it towards project-mode learning and real-life problem-solving, he told the academic fraternity. Placing research at the heart of the University's future, Prof Rai said the institution had witnessed encouraging growth in its research performance, with citations increasing from around 944 to 10,549. The University's admissions had also increased from around 1,800 last year to more than 2,800 this year, which, he said, reflected growing confidence in the institution. He also highlighted the University's initiative to establish the Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence, which would undertake research across Jammu and Kashmir and explore its culture, literature, dialects, traditions and heritage, besides examining their possible linkages with tourism, entrepreneurship and the economy. Calling himself merely a catalyst in the University's transformation, the Vice Chancellor credited the progress to the collective efforts of the University fraternity. Every one of you has a role to play, he said, urging faculty members, officers, employees, researchers and students to take ownership of the University's future. On the 58th Foundation Day, he called upon the University fraternity to renew its commitment to the institution and build a University that not only responds to the changing needs of higher education but also provides direction to others. Chief guest Dr Dheer Singh, Director, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, congratulated the University fraternity and said universities were not merely places of teaching but institutions that shape individuals, society and the nation. Dr Singh identified education, research and employment as three crucial dimensions of a modern university and stressed that research should move beyond laboratories and academic publications to create technologies, products, enterprises and solutions for society. Guest of Honour Manish Vij, Managing Partner, Smile Group and Founder, Vanna Ventures, New Delhi, said universities must prepare students to combine disciplinary expertise with the ability to work across domains and address real-world challenges. Using the letter T as an analogy, he said its vertical line represented depth and specialisation, while the horizontal represented cross-functional and interdisciplinary learning. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, described the University's 58-year institutional journey as a testimony to resilience, perseverance and the contribution of generations of stakeholders. A special feature of the 58th Foundation Day celebrations was the felicitation of distinguished alumni who have excelled in the fields of judiciary, civil administration, tourism and entrepreneurship, besides student achievers and best-performing employees of the University. Among those honoured was Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, alumnus of Law and presently Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, Justice Nargal has extensive experience in constitutional, service, taxation, academic, civil and arbitration matters. He served in several important capacities, including Senior Additional Advocate General for the J&K Home Department and counsel for various government and public institutions. The University also honoured Udham Dass, JKAS, an alumnus of the Department of History and presently serving as Additional Secretary at the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat, J&K. A member of the JKAS 2008 batch, he completed his M.A. in History from the University of Jammu during 2001-03 and was a Gold Medallist. He subsequently pursued M.Phil. and Ph.D. in History and qualified UGC NET and JRF NET. As he could not attend the function owing to official engagements at Lok Bhawan, Srinagar, the memento was received on his behalf by the Registrar, University of Jammu. Ansuya Jamwal, JKAS, alumnus of The Business School and presently Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, was felicitated for her contribution to public administration. An MBA from the University of Jammu, she joined the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service in 2004 and has served in several important assignments across Social Welfare, Tourism, Government Medical College and Hospitality & Protocol. Her contribution to inter-departmental coordination, emergency response, rescue and relief efforts during challenging situations, including Operation Sindoor and the August 2025 floods, was also acknowledged. Another distinguished alumnus felicitated on the occasion was Vijay Kumar, a member of the second batch of the Master's in Tourism Management, 2004, who is presently Joint General Manager-Tourism, IRCTC Ltd., North Zone, New Delhi. The University also felicitated Shri Rajat Salgotra, a Gold Medallist in MBA International Business from the International Centre for Cross-Cultural Research and Human Resource Management and former Cultural Secretary of the University. A first-generation entrepreneur, he is the Founder and CEO of Samast Eco Alternatives Pvt. Ltd., a sustainability-focused startup that upcycles cow dung and temple flower waste into eco-friendly products. The University also felicitated student achievers for their outstanding accomplishments in sports, cultural activities, NSS and NCC, recognising their achievements at University, national and international levels. The best-performing employees of the University were also honoured for their dedication and contribution to the institution. Those recognised included Vikas Bhat, Section Officer, Vice-Chancellor's Secretariat; Neeru Gupta, Section Officer, Examination Wing; Ashwani Kumar, Mali, Landscaping Unit; and Jagtar, Sanitation Worker, Department of Botany. Earlier, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and youth engagement, the University of Jammu organised a Nasha Mukt Pledge, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai. The pledge reaffirmed the Universitys resolve to contribute towards a drug-free society, in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor Manoj Sinha for a Nasha Mukt Bharat and a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The event was ably conducted by Prof Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu.
J&K passing through critical phase, August 2019 was major turning point: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari
Srinagar, Sep 8: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a critical phase, describing August 2019 as a major turning point when the Centre revoked the erstwhile states special constitutional status and stripped it of statehood. As per a statement issued by the party, he was speaking at an event organised at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where a number of prominent political and social activists joined the Apni Party. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders warmly welcomed the new entrants on the occasion. All these new entrants hail from Srinagars Hazratbal constituency. Addressing the gathering, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukahri said, Unfortunately, our traditional leadership whom people have supported through their blood, sweat, and sacrifice over the past seventy years, chose to remain silent over the developments of August 5, 2019. This silence was deeply disappointing, especially because those developments were an attempt to distort our identity, dilute our culture, and change our demography. He went on to say, Due to the changes made on August 5, J&K had lost its exclusive rights over land and jobs, meaning that anyone from any part of the country had become eligible to buy land and seek employment here. This posed the biggest threat to our identity and demography. Seeing the traditional leadership choose silence, we had no option but to step forward and do our best to protect the interests of our people. We went to Delhi, met with government leaders, and convinced them that the people of J&K should retain their exclusive rights over land and jobs here. Thankfully, we succeeded in convincing the Centre, and eventually, an order was passed to restore exclusive rights of J&K people over the land and jobs here. It was for the first time in seventy years of history that J&K managed to reclaim something that it had lost. This was Apni Partys contribution at that critical juncture, Bukhari said. Speaking about the domicile issue, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that had the people given the Apni Party a mandate in the 2024 elections, it would have extended the residency requirement from the existing 15 years to 50 years. Six years have already passed, yet the present government does not even talk about this issue. They do not consider it a matter of any importance, he said. Giving a warm welcome to new entrants Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, It always gives me immense pleasure to welcome new members into Apni Party. Every time, I sincerely tell our new entrants that they will never be disappointed by this party. Apni Party is a party that stands by its people and its workers. As you step forward to serve the people in your respective areas, I assure you that the entire leadership will stand shoulder to shoulder with you. We will support you, guide you, and remain with you through every challenge as you work for the welfare and betterment of the people, he added. The prominent among the new entrants included Khair-ul-Nisa, Ghulam Mohammad Rather, Adil Fayaz, Fazil Fayaz, Waheeda, Naira Bano, Gulshana, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Sajid Fayaz, Asif Ali, Abdul Rashid, Owais Israr, Nayeema Rather, and others.
Civil society members hold prayers outside room housing defunct X-Ray machine at GMC Rajouri
In a unique form of protest against alleged deterioration of healthcare services, civil society members on Tuesday held prayers outside the room housing a defunct digital X-ray machine at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. They have alleged that the X-Ray machine has been non-functional for the past seven months. The protestors, led by civil society member Mushtaq Bhat, assembled in the premises of Associated Hospital GMC Rajouri and held prayers in front of the digital X-ray machine installed in the Emergency Ward. The protesters burned incense sticks in front of the machine, praying for its well-being and restoration, highlighting what they alleged as the prolonged failure of the hospital administration to make the vital diagnostic facility functional. The civil society members alleged that the X-ray machine remained defunct due to an electricity earthing-related small issue for the past seven months, but the hospital administration failed to resolve it despite the importance of the facility for emergency patients. They alleged that the administrative system at GMC Rajouri had collapsed completely and accused the authorities of having failed to pay adequate attention to patient care. The protesters also raised concerns over the availability of only one functional Operation Theatre in the Gynaecology Department, saying that the situation was creating difficulties for both medical staff and patients, particularly pregnant women requiring timely surgical intervention. They further questioned the functioning of the institution in the absence of a regular Principal, claiming that the post was lying vacant for around five years and the affairs of the medical college were largely being managed through additional-charge arrangements. The civil society members also highlighted what they described as an acute shortage of staff, alleging that around 60 per cent of sanctioned manpower was not available at the institution. They urged the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Health Department to intervene immediately, restore essential diagnostic and surgical facilities and address the manpower shortage to ensure uninterrupted patient care at the premier healthcare institution of the Pir Panjal region.
Omar-govt failed to construct individual bunkers approved by Centre: LoP Sunil Sharma
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma on Tuesday criticised the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government for, what he alleged, having failed to realise on ground the project related to construction of individual bunkers approved by the Centre. The individual bunkers, which were approved by the central government after Operation Sindoor, have not been constructed by the Omar Abdullah-government. The elected government despite its huge mandate has failed to deliver good governance as it is focussed only on corruption, alleged LoP, who was leading a senior BJP delegation on a mass public outreach programme Jan Samvad in Poonch and Rajouri. Following his meeting with delegations at Dak bungalow Poonch, Sharma stated that he listened to victimised and ignored sections of society as part of BJPs district wide outreach programme. Weve noted their genuine issues including delay in Panchayat elections, demands of daily wagers, rampant corruption, need for individual bunkers in border areas post Operation Sindoor and meagre stipend of intern doctors. We will become the voice of these poor and deprived people in the upcoming assembly session and force this failed NC government to act, LoP asserted. He described the problems of unemployed youth, daily wagers and early conduct of Panchayat polls as the burning issues in the current scenario. Previously during our (BJPs) post Operation Sindoor visit to border districts, there were demands of immediate compensation, job and bunkers. I, myself, raised these demands with the Union Home Minister. He (Home Minister) not only agreed to these demands but even personally reviewed progress on compensation and handed over job letters during his visit. However, the construction of bunkers was to be realised on the ground by the current elected government in J&K. We had constructed community bunkers but the demands were specific for individual bunkers. However, this (elected) government failed to do so although they (individual bunkers) were approved by the Centre, LoP maintained. He assured that the issue would again be raised with the central government. BJPs outreach programme was aimed at taking its campaign against, what the LoP and other party leaders described as, the failures, misgovernance and anti-people policies of the National Conference-led government directly to the people. Sunil Sharma was accompanied by senior leader Vibodh Gupta, district presidents Gurdeep Singh Khalsa and Dev Raj Sharma, former MLC Pardeep Sharma and other senior BJP functionaries. During the outreach, the BJP delegation interacted with several public delegations, listened to their grievances and took detailed feedback on issues confronting the people, particularly relating to development, basic public services, employment and welfare. Sunil Sharma said the programme marked the beginning of an extensive grassroots campaign by the BJP to expose the widening gap between the tall promises of the NC before elections and its performance in government. The NC came to power making big promises to the people, but today the public is asking where is the promised development, where are the jobs and where is the relief in their day-to-day problems? The growing public dissatisfaction is a direct reflection of the governments failure to deliver, Sunil Sharma maintained. He claimed that instead of addressing peoples genuine concerns, the NC government failed to provide effective, accountable and responsive governance. The BJP will not allow the government to hide its failures behind political rhetoric. We will go to every district, every constituency and every section of society, listen to the people and bring their issues before the government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he asserted. Sunil Sharma said the grievances raised in Poonch and Rajouri clearly demonstrated that people were increasingly questioning the functioning and priorities of the NC government. The BJP is not sitting in offices and making political statements. Our leaders and workers are reaching the people, hearing them directly and standing with them in their hour of need. The peoples voice will become the BJPs strongest weapon against NCs misgovernance, he said. LoP further announced that the public outreach would be expanded across Jammu and Kashmir, with senior BJP leaders undertaking visits to different administrative districts to highlight the governments failures and ensure that genuine public issues are raised at every appropriate forum. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve performance, accountability and developmentnot excuses and empty promises. The BJP will remain the strongest voice of the people and will continue to hold the NC government accountable, Sunil Sharma said.
Turn pressure into performance, sports minister tells Asian Games-bound contingent
New Delhi, Sep 8:Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday urged the Indian contingent for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya to fear no opponent, turn pressure into performance and build on the countrys impressive medal surge at the continental showpiece. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) organised a send-off ceremony for the 503-member contingent, with several athletes and teams in attendance. Mandaviya said Indias medal tally had risen significantly from the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon to the 2023 edition in Hangzhou and called for the upward trend to continue. The athletes success also becomes the nations success. We have a contingent of 503 athletes competing at the upcoming Asian Games. I am confident that we will put up a good performance which will bring about a quantum change in the sports sector, Mandaviya said at the ceremony.
Aqua Avengers Kashmir beat Swift Strikers 3-1 in Kashmir Super League
Srinagar, Sep 8:Aqua Avengers Kashmir produced a commanding display of attacking football as they defeated Swift Strikers 3-1 in Match 5 of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League on Tuesday. Playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Aqua Avengers Kashmir, as per a statement, showed greater attacking intent from the outset, combining movement, pressure and clinical finishing to take control of the contest. Their three-goal performance proved decisive as they maintained their advantage and closed out the match with a convincing victory. Swift Strikers fought back and found the net once, giving themselves an opportunity to make a contest of the game. Aqua Avengers, however, responded with composure and continued to dictate the tempo, eventually securing a 3-1 result. The scoreline reflected a match in which Aqua Avengers Kashmir made their attacking opportunities count. Their ability to maintain pressure across the game and finish key chances separated the two sides on the night. The fixture also carried a strong off-field presence, with noted personalities from the Indian film industry and media attending the match as special guests.
Nairang-e-Tameer architecture festival begins at IUST
The second edition of Nairang-e-Tameer, the annual architecture festival of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), began Tuesday, bringing together architects, academicians, artisans and students. Organised by the Department of Architecture, the three-day event, being held from Sept. 8 to 10, provides a platform for students and professionals to showcase their work, exchange ideas, build networks and explore the relationship between traditional knowledge and contemporary architectural practice. Assistant Professor Mehraan Qureshi, while welcoming participants, described the event as a platform for students and architects to share their work and learn from one another. IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo stressed the need to preserve the character of Kashmiri architecture while addressing contemporary challenges. There is a growing homogenisation of architectural forms, Romshoo said, calling for greater integration of modernity with traditional practices and stronger focus on disaster resilience. He also called for exposing architecture students to emerging technologies so that modern tools can be meaningfully blended with traditional architecture, and stressed the need to make such initiatives more student-centric. Dr. Kuldeep, director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an ethnographic gallery documenting artefacts and cultural materials. He stressed the importance of bringing architects, craftsmen and other stakeholders together, particularly in a region where architectural and cultural heritage remain closely interconnected. Kuldeep said Jammu and Kashmir currently has only two schools of architecture, at IUST and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, underscoring the need to strengthen opportunities for students and professionals. Earlier, Qazi Qammer Iqbal, dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, spoke about the significance of the festivals Persian-derived name, Nairang-e-Tameer. He said the terms Nairang, associated with deception and magic, and Tameer, meaning construction, have particular relevance to architecture and the ways spaces, forms and perceptions are created. Dean Outreach Dr. Ruheela Hassan congratulated the organisers and appreciated the theme. Highlighting the wider social role of architecture, she said meaningful work emerges when knowledge meets society and that architects do not merely construct buildings but also give us hope. Dean Research Dr. Abid Hussain Shalla appreciated the initiative and the Department of Architecture for creating a platform for academic and professional exchange. The opening day featured architects conclave sessions, with accomplished architects and professionals showcasing their work and sharing insights.
Postal department invites entries forletter writing,philately schemes
The Department of Posts, J&K Circle, has invited public participation in the Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Competition and Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana for 2026-27. The Dhai Akhar competition is open to Indian citizens in two age categories up to 18 years and above 18 years. Participants can submit handwritten letters in English, Hindi or any regional language on the theme, A Letter to Mother Earth: My Promise to Protect Nature. Entries can be submitted on an Inland Letter Card of up to 500 words or in an envelope of up to 1,000 words. They must include an age declaration as of Jan. 1, 2026, and the envelope should be superscribed DHAI AKHAR Letter 2026. Entries will be accepted from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and sent to the Chief Postmaster General, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Postal Circle. Circle-level winners will receive Rs 25,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 for first, second and third places, respectively. The top three entries will advance to the national round, where winners will receive Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000. The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana offers an annual philately scholarship of Rs 6,000 to students of Classes VI to IX with at least 60% marks, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students. Applicants must be members of a School Philately Club or hold a personal Philately Deposit Account. Selection will be based on a philately project and quiz assessed by a Circle-level committee. Up to 40 students per postal Circle will receive the scholarship, paid quarterly into a joint account with a parent.
Q: Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar? A: Not significantly. Brown sugar contains small amounts of minerals because of molasses, but its effect on blood glucose and calories is broadly similar to white sugar. Neither should be considered a healthy sugar. Q: I have stopped eating rice to lose weight. Is that necessary? A: No. Rice can be part of a healthy diet. The key is portion size, preparation and what you eat with it. Choosing appropriate portions and adding vegetables, pulses, eggs, fish or other protein is generally more useful than completely eliminating rice. Q: Does drinking warm water first thing in the morning melt belly fat? A: No. Warm water may feel soothing and contributes to hydration, but it does not specifically burn belly fat. Reducing excess calories, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy overall lifestyle are what matter for weight management. Q: Is fruit unhealthy for diabetics? A: Whole fruit is generally a nutritious food, despite containing naturally occurring sugar. It provides fibre, vitamins and other beneficial compounds. The bigger concern is frequent consumption of sugary drinks and large amounts of fruit juice, where fibre is reduced or absent. Q: Can I have diabetes even if I dont eat sweets? A: Yes. Diabetes is influenced by genetics, body weight, physical activity, age, overall dietary pattern and several other factors. Avoiding sweets alone does not completely eliminate the risk. Q: Is honey better than sugar for people with diabetes? A: Honey is still a source of sugar and carbohydrates and can raise blood glucose. Although it may have some nutritional differences from refined sugar, it should not be considered a diabetes-friendly substitute that can be consumed freely. Q: I feel fine. Do I really need to check my blood pressure? A: Yes, especially as you get older or if you have risk factors. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms for years. Checking it periodically is a simple way to detect a problem before complications develop. Q: Can I stop my blood-pressure medicine when my readings become normal? A: Usually, nonot without discussing it with your doctor. A normal reading may mean the medicine and lifestyle changes are controlling your blood pressure. Stopping treatment on your own can allow it to rise again. Q: Does eating eggs every day cause high cholesterol? A: For most healthy people, eggs can be part of a balanced diet. Blood cholesterol is influenced by the overall dietary pattern, genetics and other factorsnot simply by one food. People with specific medical conditions may need individualized advice. Q: Is homemade pickle healthier than packaged pickle? A: Homemade does not automatically mean healthier. Pickles can contain substantial amounts of salt and, depending on preparation, oil. They are best eaten in small quantities, whether homemade or commercially prepared. Q: Is drinking tea immediately after meals bad? A: Not necessarily. However, tea contains compounds that can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals. People with iron deficiency or anaemia may benefit from avoiding tea around mealtimes and discussing their diet with a doctor. Q: Does drinking milk at night cause weight gain? A: Milk itself does not automatically cause weight gain because it is consumed at night. Weight change depends largely on total calorie intake and expenditure. However, sweetened or high-calorie milk drinks can add significant calories. Q: Is walking enough exercise, or do I need to go to a gym? A: You do not need a gym to be physically active. Brisk walking is excellent exercise and can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Ideally, adults should also include muscle-strengthening activities regularly. Q: Can a person be obese but still be healthy because their blood tests are normal? A: Normal blood tests are reassuring, but they do not eliminate the long-term health risks associated with excess body fat. Obesity can increase the future risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, sleep apnoea and several other conditions. Q: Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis? A: Current evidence does not show that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis. It may produce a popping sound because of changes in pressure and gas within the joint. Persistent pain, swelling or stiffness, however, should be evaluated. Q: I snore loudly. Please guide. A: Loud habitual snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, particularly if it is accompanied by pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness. It should not simply be ignored. Q: Is taking antibiotics for a cold the fastest way to recover? A: Usually not. Most common colds are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics do not work. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should be taken when medically indicated. Q: Can I take painkillers regularly for headaches without worrying? A: Frequent painkiller use is not harmless. Depending on the medicine, excessive use can cause stomach, kidney or liver problems and may itself contribute to medication-overuse headaches. Recurrent headaches deserve evaluation rather than repeated self-medication. Public Advisory: Not every health problem needs a tabletand not every health myth deserves to be believed. From WhatsApp remedies and natural cures to advice from friends and relatives, health information can easily become distorted. Before starting, stopping or changing a treatment, ask the doctornot the WhatsApp group. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness, not a substitute for medical advice. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org
Can Diet and Gut Health Actually Improve Acne?
Almost every household in Kashmir has heard some version of this advice: what you eat shows on your skin. For years this was dismissed by modern dermatology as folk wisdom rather than fact. Acne was treated as a topical problem: excess oil clogged pores; bacteria managed with creams and tablets; diet left largely out of the conversation. That is changing. A growing body of research now shows that our grandmothers werent entirely wrong; what happens in the gut does show up on the face. The honest answer based on current evidence is a qualified yes. Diet and gut health genuinely influence acne but they work alongside proper treatment not instead of it. The gut-skin axis: what the science shows The gut and skin communicate through what researchers call the gut-skin axis, a two-way relationship carried largely by the immune system and inflammatory signalling. A systematic review on diet and acne in JAAD International (2022) found consistent links between certain dietary patterns and acne severity noting that foods with a high glycaemic index or load dairy products fatty foods and chocolate promote acne lesions while fruits and vegetables appear protective. Newer research in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2025) examined gut-microbiota markers in acne patients versus healthy controls adding evidence that gut imbalance may contribute to acne through systemic inflammation. In practical terms high glycaemic foods raise insulin and IGF-1 which increase oil production and clog pores, dairy particularly skim milk is linked to acne through naturally occurring hormonal components and an imbalanced gut may drive the inflammation that surfaces as breakouts. Diets richer in fibre fruits and vegetables are consistently associated with calmer skin. Where this hit close to home: our own diet This is worth sitting with honestly because much of what the research flags maps closely onto our everyday plate. Maida-based roti and bakery items, a staple in most Kashmiri kitchens are refined flour foods with a high glycaemic load exactly the category linked to worse acne. Rice eaten at nearly every meal is itself high glycaemic and our portions are rarely modest. Our cooking is traditionally oil heavy particularly the mustard oil used generously in wazwan style preparation. And dairy noon chai milk and paneer are part of daily life here often in large quantities which matters given the specific dairy-acne link noted above. None of this means giving up what we grew up eating, this food is part of who we are. But a patient with persistent acne on a fairly typical Kashmiri diet heavy in maida rice oil and dairy is without realising it combining several of the dietary factors most consistently tied to acne in the literature. Small realistic shifts more vegetables alongside the rice rather than instead of it a lighter hand with oil noticing whether dairy correlates with your own flare ups go further than people expect without asking anyone to abandon their kitchen. Two overlooked habits: touching the face and facial massage. Beyond diet two everyday habits deserve more attention than they usually get. Touching the face happens far more than most people realise. Studies measuring spontaneous self-touch found people touch their faces several hundred times a day the forehead nose and chin most of all. Hands carry bacteria and surface contaminants picked up all day and repeated friction on the same spot can itself trigger a distinct pattern of breakouts known as acne mechanica. This was seen clearly during the pandemic when prolonged mask use caused a rise in acne along the cheeks nose and chin maskne attributed partly to occlusion partly to the repeated touching and adjusting of the mask encouraged. The lesson extends well beyond masks resting the chin on a hand or holding a phone to the cheek through long calls is a small correctable habit that keeps skin irritated in that same pattern. Facial massage common in salons across Srinagar is more nuanced. Gentle massage with clean hands and proper products can support circulation without harming the skin. But massage done with heavy occlusive creams or poor hygiene not uncommon in some parlour settings has been linked to a distinct inflammatory eruption. A dermatology case series (Khanna N Datta Gupta S. Acneiform eruptions after facial beauty treatment) documented patients developing deep inflammatory nodular lesions on the cheeks chin and forehead beginning as early as their very first massage session often leaving dark marks behind that took a long time to fade. The likely cause occlusive creams and manual pressure pushing sebum deeper into the follicle rather than clearing it out. For acne-prone skin the product and the hands doing the massage matter as much as the massage itself. A word of caution Acne is never caused by one thing alone, genetics hormones stress and skincare habits all play their part alongside diet and it would be misleading to suggest otherwise. Cutting out entire food groups without medical guidance can leave nutritional gaps without meaningfully clearing the skin. Any real dietary change is best made alongside a proper evaluation of the skin itself not in place of one. In simple terms diet doesnt replace treatment but it helps it work better. And sometimes what our hands are doing to our face matters just as much as whats on our plate. Dr. Mir Waleed Mansoor is a medical professional and Chairman Hair of Kashmir Clinic Aesthetic & AYUSH Wellness Clinic Srinagar.
HC declines to entertain PIL over AI driven justice delivery system
Observing it as premature, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a slew of reforms in the justice delivery system, including the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for advocates, litigants, legal aid and court administration. In response to the PIL titled Yang Burzhome (Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Handoo), a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani held that the PIL was premature at present as the digitisation of court records and development of applications aimed at augmenting the justice delivery system are already underway. The PIL had sought the court's intervention to direct the Registrar General of the High Court, Bar Council of India, Union of India and National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for implementation of a broad AI-powered justice modernisation framework. Although the petitioner sought several directions through the PIL, the main proposals included the creation of an AI-powered Know Your Advocate Card (KYA), containing information relating to advocates' professional profiles, disposal rates, adjournment history, disciplinary records and fee structures. It also sought to put in place an AI-powered Case Health Card through a proposed Nyaya Mitra Solution Explorer, which would assess the legal foundation of cases, precedent alignment, evidence and procedural readiness, limitation and jurisdiction issues, and provide plain-language summaries and estimates concerning case disposal. The PIL also sought proposals that included mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for advocates, greater access to legal databases and AI-assisted legal research, transparent fee and billing guidelines, automated monitoring of unnecessary adjournments, independent disciplinary and ethics tribunals, expansion of the public defender model and multilingual AI legal assistants. Moreover, it had sought strengthened e-Sewa Kendras for marginalized and rural litigants and advocated increased financial support for the judiciary, including enhanced judicial infrastructure and measures to address vacancies and case pendency. In response to the plea, the court observed that some of the issues raised could be helpful in improving and reforming the justice delivery system in the long run. It, however, noted that the PIL was premature as digitisation of court records and development of applications aimed at improving justice delivery were already underway. The E-Committee of the Supreme Court and NALSA are already seized of these issues, it noted. Observing that issuing directions while existing initiatives are underway may not be conducive to their implementation, the court declined to entertain the PIL at this stage. It, however, gave the petitioner the liberty to raise the issues again after awaiting the outcome of the measures already initiated by the concerned authorities.
High Court upholds bail to 70-year-old accused in UAPA case
The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Tuesday dismissed the governments plea calling in question the bail granted to elderly accused in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani rejected the appeal filed by the government through Police Station Bijbehara against the bail order in favour of the 70-year-old accused, Ghulam Nabi Sumji, passed by the Special Judge designated under the UAPA at Anantnag, The bench held that the trial court committed no illegality or perversity in granting bail to the accused. The case relates to FIR No. 54 of 2024, registered at Police Station Bijbehara under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA and Sections 121 and 121-A of the IPC. Initially, the trial court had granted an interim bail to the accused on December 6, 2025, which was subsequently made absolute on December 29, 2025. After examining the record and rival submissions, the High Court, in its decision noted that there was no illegality or perversity in the orders passed by the trial court and dismissed the UT's appeal. The Court held that offences under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA fall under Chapter III of the Act and therefore do not attract the statutory embargo contained in Section 43-D(5), which applies to offences falling under Chapters IV and VI. The bench noted that the offences under Sections 121 and 121-A of the IPC were not established during the investigation and were subsequently dropped from the FIR. While considering bail, a court is not required to conduct a preliminary trial or determine the guilt or innocence of the accused, which can only be decided after trial, it said. The Court observed that prima facie true, in the context of Section 43-D (5) UAPA, means something more than mere suspicion or conjecture and something less than proved. The expression has to be assessed on the facts of each individual case. Furthermore, the Court observed that in non-bailable offences which do not carry the punishment of death or imprisonment for life in the alternative, bail is the rule and its denial an exception, particularly where there is no material showing that the accused would flee from justice or tamper with prosecution evidence. The personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution is a fundamental value and that the power to deny bail must be exercised judiciously and not casually, the court said. The court observed that the conditions imposed by the trial court were sufficient to address the prosecution's apprehensions regarding misuse of bail. Observing that there seemed to be no merit in the appeal, the bench dismissed the same and upheld the bail granted to the accused.
When Modern Medicine Cannot Cure, It Must Still Care
Every practising physician eventually encounters the difficult othing more we can do moment. A patient with advanced malignancy, end-stage renal disease, or progressive motor neuron disease is discharged from a tertiary centre because active curative interventions have reached their ceiling. They return home, many a time to a distant village, with uncontrolled pain, breathlessness, nausea, and an overwhelmed family watching helplessly. This phrasethere is nothing more we can dois fundamentally flawed. Modern medicine may run out of disease-modifying therapies, but it never runs out of ways to relieve suffering. That is the core of palliative care. Redefining the Scope: It Is Not Giving Up Palliative care is frequently confused with hospice or immediate end-of-life care. While terminal care is a part of it, palliative medicine is much broader: it is specialized medical care focused on symptom relief, psychological support, and quality of life for anyone living with a serious, life-limiting or terminal illness and their family. Ideally, palliative care should begin at the time of diagnosis, delivered alongside curative or life-prolonging treatmentsnot merely when they fail. It offers: Symptom Control: Managing refractory pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue, and delirium using evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological protocols. Goal Setting & Communication: Helping patients and families make informed choices about difficult medical decisions, including invasive interventions, feeding tubes, and resuscitation before an acute crisis occurs. Caregiver Support: Addressing the emotional, physical, and financial burnout borne by family members managing prolonged illnesses at home. Why Jammu & Kashmir Needs a Robust Palliative Network The need for structured palliative medicine is universal across India, but the unique topography, climate, and healthcare delivery landscape of Jammu & Kashmir make it critical. 1. The Barrier of Geography and Climate For a bedridden patient residing in interiors of Dal Lake, Gurez, Kishtwar, or any other difficult-to-reach areas of Kashmir, travelling to a tertiary health care facility in Srinagar or Jammu for symptom control is not just inconvenientit is physically agonising and financially devastating. Winter roadblocks, difficult connectivity and logistics leave patients stranded with poorly managed symptoms. Palliative care must be decentralised down to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) and home-care level. 2. A Changing Disease Burden J&K is witnessing a notable rise in non-communicable diseases. Beyond high rates of specific malignancies (such as oesophagal, gastric, lung, and colorectal cancers), there is a growing population living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke-related disability. These patients often suffer for years with heavy symptom burdens that fall outside traditional oncology-centric palliative discussions. 3. The Opioid Availability Gap Despite the 2014 amendment to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act simplifying access to Essential Narcotic Drugs (ENDs), oral morphine and fentanyl remain difficult to procure outside a few tertiary institutions. Bureaucratic hesitation, unjustified fear of addiction (opiophobia) among prescribers, and a lack of Recognised Medical Institution (RMI) certifications mean thousands still endure severe, treatable cancer pain. 4. Sustaining the Family Care Model In our region, strong social and familial ties mean families prefer caring for their ailing elders at home. However, goodwill alone cannot manage severe neuropathic pain, malignant ascites, or complex wound care. Without professional home-based palliative support, family caregivers experience intense psychological trauma and financial distress. The Path Forward Building a functional palliative infrastructure in J&K does not require massive capital investment in new hospital towers. It requires sensitization, training, sensible drug policy, and community integration: Raising Awareness and Sensitisation: Public health campaigns must demystify palliative care as an active, supportive service that works in parallel with disease-directed treatments. Simultaneously, institutional sensitisation must target doctors, administrators, nursing staff and community elders to dismantle social stigma, alleviate irrational fears surrounding essential opioid analgesics, and normalize early goals-of-care conversations. Training Frontline Clinicians: Basic palliative care competenciespain assessment, opioid dosing, and difficult communicationshould be integrated into training for medical officers, postgraduates, and nursing staff under the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC). Empowering District Hospitals: Every district hospital should maintain an active RMI license, stock oral morphine, and run designated palliative outpatient and consultation services. Mobilizing Home-Care Teams: Utilizing Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ASHA workers to identify bedridden patients, assist with basic nursing needs (catheter care, pressure sore management), and coordinate with PHC doctors. Modern medicine cannot promise a cure for every condition. But it can- and it should- promise that no patient is left alone to suffer manageable symptoms associated with chronic, lifelong, or terminal illnesses. Palliative care is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is a basic clinical standard and a fundamental human right. Dr Mubashir Hussain Sofi is a Radiation Oncologist with Post-MD Fellowship in Palliative Medicine, focusing on cancer & supportive care in Jammu & Kashmir
7 years on, Bilal Colony Soura link road still awaits blacktopping
Residents of Bilal Colony in Soura have expressed frustration over the continued delay in blacktopping the link road connecting their locality with the 90 Feet Road, saying the stretch has remained neglected for nearly seven years. Residents said the road was last macadamised in 2019 and has since deteriorated considerably. Despite repeated assurances from the concerned authorities, they said no fresh blacktopping has been carried out so far. They have assured us several times that the work would be taken up, but seven years have passed since the road was last macadamised. We are still waiting, a resident said. Locals said the condition of the road becomes particularly difficult during rainy weather, when potholes and uneven portions fill with water and parts of the stretch turn muddy. Even a spell of light rain makes the road difficult to use. Schoolchildren, elderly people and pedestrians face problems while moving through the area, another resident said. Residents pointed out that several adjoining roads and bylanes in the locality have already been blacktopped, while the link road connecting Bilal Colony to the 90 Feet Road continues to await repairs. They said the road serves as an important access route for the locality and its poor condition has caused inconvenience to residents and motorists for years. The residents have appealed to Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar, the District Development Commissioner Srinagar and the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department to intervene and ensure early macadamisation of the road. It is a basic civic requirement. We have been waiting since 2019, and there is no reason for the road to remain in this condition for so long, the residents said. They urged the authorities to conduct an on-site inspection, take up the pending work on priority and ensure that the road is restored before further deterioration during the rainy season.
GBHSS Zainakote wins National Youth for Earth honour for 2nd time
Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Zainakote, Srinagar, has secured second rank in the Junior Category of the Youth for Earth Award 2026, earning national recognition for the second time after its earlier success in 2024. The school received the award at the International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE 2026), held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The award carries a cash prize of 30,000. The recognition was conferred for the school's innovative project to develop a plant-based sustainable packaging material from Typha, locally known as Petch, a wetland plant found abundantly across Kashmir. The project was recognised for its potential to provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to plastic packaging while addressing concerns related to waste generation and ecological degradation. According to the organisers, the initiative stood out for its practical application and its integration of environmental conservation with community welfare. By using Typha as a raw material, the project seeks to reduce dependence on plastic-based packaging while also reviving traditional weaving practices associated with the plant and potentially creating livelihood opportunities for local artisans. The award-winning team, SABZ: The Green Guardians of Kashmir, represented the school under the mentorship of Nyla Ali, Eco Club Incharge at the institution. The International Conference on Sustainability Education brought together educators, researchers, policymakers and student innovators from India and abroad to deliberate on contemporary environmental challenges. The conference also provided a platform for young innovators to showcase projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Reacting to the achievement, Principal Tahira Manzoor said the recognition reflected the commitment of the school's students and teachers to innovation and environmental responsibility. Receiving this award for the second time is a matter of immense pride for our institution. It demonstrates the capacity of our students to develop meaningful solutions to real-world challenges and compete successfully at national forums, she said. Mentor teacher Nyla Ali said the award would encourage young innovators working on sustainability-related issues. The project demonstrates how locally available resources can be transformed into sustainable products that benefit both the environment and the community. We hope this recognition inspires more students to engage with environmental problem-solving and social innovation, she said.
Preventing Sudden Cardiac Deaths
A sudden cardiac arrest is more than a medical emergencyit is a moment that can change an entire family forever. One moment, a loved one is talking, smiling, working or returning home; the next, they may suddenly collapse. For the family, the loss is not a statistic. It is an empty chair, an unanswered phone call and memories that remain for a lifetime. Every life is precious because every life is someone's loved one. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Unlike many illnesses, it can become fatal within minutes. But those same minutes can also provide an opportunity to save a life. Although cardiac arrest often happens without warning, some people may experience symptoms beforehand, such as chest discomfort or pressure, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness or light-headedness, fainting, Unusual weakness or fatigue. Sudden cardiac arrest is not merely an individual medical tragedy; it is a major public-health challenge. Yet, in India, the true burden remains difficult to quantify because systematic nationwide cardiac-arrest surveillance has historically been limited. Indian evidence suggests that the problem is not simply the cardiac arrest itself, but what happens during the critical minutes afterwards. Low rates of bystander CPR, limited pre-hospital resuscitation capability and poor access to defibrillation remain major barriers to survival. A 2023 review specifically examined OHCA in India and proposed reforms. It identified low bystander CPR, inadequate emergency medical services, limited public awareness and the absence of a comprehensive national sudden-cardiac-arrest registry as important challenges. It recommended improving public education, emergency infrastructure and data collection. Sudden cardiac death is likely multifactorial, involving smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, environmental factors, possible post-infectious effects, and unrecognised heart disease. Prevention must begin before the emergency As a community, we need to move from simply reacting to sudden deaths to preventing cardiovascular disease and preparing for emergencies. Regular monitoring and control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and seeking medical advice for concerning symptoms or a strong family history of heart disease are important steps. But prevention is not only about individual lifestyle. Community preparedness can save lives. Every school, college, workplace and community should promote basic awareness of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). People should know that if someone suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, they should immediately call for emergency medical help and begin CPR rather than simply waiting for an ambulance. Where available, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can provide life-saving defibrillation for certain cardiac arrests. Public-access AEDs, along with trained personnel and an efficient emergency response system, should be considered at appropriate high-footfall locations. Kashmir needs preparedness, not panic Sudden deaths understandably create fear, particularly when they involve young or apparently healthy people. However, we must respond with evidence rather than speculation. Kashmir needs better documentation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests so that we know how often they occur, where they happen, whether CPR was attempted, how quickly emergency services arrived and what the outcomes were. A systematic cardiac-arrest registry for Jammu & Kashmir could help health authorities design targeted prevention and emergency-response strategies. As a Community Medicine professional, I believe cardiac arrest should not be viewed only as a hospital problem. It is a community-health problem. We cannot prevent every cardiac arrest, and we cannot save every person. But we can create communities where people know how to recognize an emergency, start CPR, access an AED and seek immediate professional help. Behind every number is a person. Behind every person is a family that loves them. A mother waiting for her child. A father expecting a phone call. A spouse waiting at home. A friend expecting to meet again. Let us work towards a Kashmir where awareness replaces helplessness, prevention replaces neglect, and every citizen has the knowledge to act when a life suddenly hangs in the balance. Sometimes, the first person who can save a life is not a doctor. It is the person standing next to you. Every minute matters. Every heartbeat matters. Every loved one matters. Dr Misbah Yousuf, PG Resident, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar
Use of loudspeakers for sales promotion by vendors irks Srinagarites
What was once an occasional call by street vendors has increasingly turned into an unrelenting stream of loud announcements across Srinagar's residential areas. Residents of various areas are complaining that blaring public address systems mounted on kiosks of vendors and vehicles, and civic utility vans, have made people's lives miserable. From fruit and vegetable sellers to vendors dealing in clothes, utensils and household items, many now use high-volume speakers to advertise their products while moving through residential lanes. Residents said the problem is compounded by civic vehicles engaged in garbage collection, which also use loud public address systems while passing through neighbourhoods. Locals said the continuous announcements, repetitive recorded messages and loud music have significantly added to noise pollution, affecting students, professionals, patients and people who work night shifts. The issue is no longer limited to vendors alone. Garbage collection vehicles also use loudspeakers every day. One vehicle passes, then another follows shortly after. The constant noise has become a part of our daily lives, said Basit Ahmad, a resident of Bemina. Residents said the situation has become more noticeable over the past few months, particularly with the increased movement of seasonal vendors through residential areas. For students attending online classes or preparing for examinations, the interruptions have become a recurring challenge. I attend online lectures from home and also prepare for competitive examinations. The announcements are so loud that I often lose focus, especially when the same message keeps playing repeatedly, said Sadia Mushtaq, a student from Hazratbal. Professionals working from home said the loudspeaker announcements often interfere with virtual meetings and office calls. I regularly attend online meetings with clients. There have been occasions when loud promotional announcements suddenly filled the background during important discussions, putting me in an embarrassing situation. It affects professionalism and there is little we can do, said software engineer Umar Hassan. The problem is equally distressing for those employed in night shifts. I return home early in the morning after completing my night shift and try to get some sleep during the day. Just when I manage to fall asleep, loudspeaker announcements begin outside. Proper rest has become difficult, said Afzal Bhat, a paramedic. Families with elderly and ailing members said the persistent noise causes unnecessary stress. My father is unwell and gets very little sleep at night. During the day, whenever he finally manages to rest, these loud announcements wake him up. Patients need a peaceful environment, but that is becoming increasingly difficult, said a resident of the Downtown locality. Residents said while they understand the importance of street vending and municipal services, the unrestricted use of high-volume public address systems in residential areas requires regulation. There has to be a proper mechanism. Announcements should be brief, the volume should remain within permissible limits, and there should be designated timings. Public convenience should not come at the cost of people's peace, another resident said. Many residents also stressed the need for greater public awareness, saying vendors, civic agencies and the public must collectively recognise that excessive noise affects mental well-being, productivity and the quality of life. Members of civil society, they said, should also help spread awareness about responsible use of loudspeakers and encourage practices that minimise unnecessary noise in residential localities. Residents have urged the district administration and Srinagar Municipal Corporation to formulate and strictly enforce guidelines governing the use of loudspeakers on vendor and civic vehicles, particularly in residential areas. Despite repeated attempts, concerned officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation did not respond to calls for their comments on the issue.
Pregnant, Employed and Exhausted
Pregnancy is not an illness, and working women neither expect nor ask to be treated as patients. But pregnancy does bring genuine physical demands, and a humane workplace must recognise them. For many women employees in Kashmir, particularly those posted far from their homes, pregnancy can turn an ordinary working day into an exhausting journey. Some women travel 70 to 80 kilometres each way, changing buses more than once before reaching their place of work. They then complete a full working day, often without an adequate lunch break or a suitable place to rest, before undertaking the same long journey home. For a healthy person, such a routine is tiring. For a pregnant woman dealing with nausea, fatigue, backache, swelling, frequent urination or other common difficulties of pregnancy, it can become extremely demanding. The question we need to ask is simple: Can our posting and workplace policies be made more humane without compromising the functioning of our institutions? Surely, the answer is yes. Pregnant employees should, wherever administratively possible, be given temporary postings closer to their homes or at workplaces that are reasonably accessible. This should not be viewed as favouritism or special treatment. It is a reasonable accommodation during a temporary but important stage of a womans life. Particular consideration should also be given to night duties during pregnancy, especially where transport is difficult or adequate rest and medical facilities are unavailable. No woman should have to choose between protecting her pregnancy and fulfilling her professional responsibilities. Especially for medical and Para medical employees night duties are strenuous especially in tertiary care hospitals where doctors and paramedical staff work under enormous pressure for a pregnant women. This could be a nightmare risking her life as well as wellbeing of her baby increasing chances of abortion pre-term labour and bleeding during pregnancy which is an expensive price to pay. Night duties must be abolished for the pregnant women. The difficulties do not necessarily end with childbirth. Women who return to work while breastfeeding face another challenge. Many workplaces have no private, clean space for expressing breast milk, and sometimes even adequate breaks are difficult to obtain. A woman may therefore have to remain away from her infant for many hours without the basic facilities required to continue breastfeeding comfortably. Providing a small private lactation space and reasonable breaks does not require enormous expenditure. It requires awareness, sensitivity and administrative willingness. Kashmir has made significant progress in womens education and employment. Women today serve in hospitals, schools, offices and numerous other institutions, often balancing demanding professional responsibilities with responsibilities at home. Our workplace policies must evolve alongside this progress. This is not a demand that pregnant women should stop working. Quite the opposite. Women should be able to continue working with dignity and safely throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. Departments could consider clear guidelines allowing pregnant employees, particularly in the later months of pregnancy, to request temporary postings nearer their residences where feasible. Similar consideration could be given to nursing mothers for a reasonable period after they return from maternity leave. Workplaces should also ensure proper meal breaks, access to clean toilets, appropriate rest facilities and private lactation spaces. Such measures would not weaken workplace discipline. They would strengthen institutions by showing that efficiency and compassion can coexist. A society is often judged not only by the opportunities it gives women, but also by the conditions in which it expects them to exercise those opportunities. A woman travelling 70 or 80 kilometres during pregnancy, changing buses, working an entire day and returning home exhausted is not asking for privilege when she seeks a more reasonable posting. She is asking for reasonable accommodation, dignity and humanity. And that should not be too much to ask. Women carry future generations in their wombs; her wellbeing means healthy individuals and healthy individuals make robust societies and that should not be too much to ask. The author is Director Kashmir Assisted Reproductive Technology & Research Centre, Hyderpora Srinagar
Bajaj Finances Arthsutra Samvad takes financial literacy, cyber safety to Leh villages
With cyber fraud emerging as a growing financial threat in Ladakh, Leh Police has urged residents to immediately dial 1930 after any financial cyber fraud, stressing that the first 60 minutesthe golden hourcan improve the chances of tracing and blocking fraudulent transactions. The advisory was issued during Bajaj Finance Ltd.s Arthsutra Samvad, a financial literacy and awareness programme held at Chuchot Yokma Panchayat Ghar, Govt Higher Secondary School Chuchot and Panchayat Ghar Phayang. The programme brought together cyber police officials, students, women representatives, village leaders and youth representatives to promote financial awareness, responsible money management and safe use of digital financial services. SHO Shamim Ahmed, Cyber In-charge, Leh, said cyber fraud had become a serious concern in Ladakh. The first 60 minutes are the golden hour. If a victim reports the fraud on 1930 within this period, it significantly increases the chances of tracing and blocking the money, he said. He urged victims not to hesitate or feel embarrassed after losing money through digital transactions. According to the release, cyber fraud in Leh resulted in losses of around 10 crore between 2021 and 2026, involving 1,077 complaints. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Police Station in Ladakh in view of rising cybercrime, including financial fraud, online scams, digital arrests and identity theft. The station will have jurisdiction across the Union Territory. Leh Police and Bajaj Finance urged citizens to remain vigilant and report fraudulent transactions without delay.
Film festival can boost tourism, local employment in J&K: PHDCCI Kashmir
A delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir Chapter, attended the inaugural ceremony of the first International Film Festival of J&K (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The delegation, led by PHDCCI Kashmir Chapter Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw, included Executive Member and cinematographer Faisal Simon and Deputy Director Iqbal Fayaz Jan. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the four-day festival, which features more than 130 films from over 30 countries, marking a significant step towards positioning J&K on the global cinematic and creative landscape. The Chief Minister said the festival reflected J&Ks ambition to emerge as a destination for filmmakers, storytellers and creative professionals from across the world. Commending the initiative, the PHDCCI delegation said the festival could contribute significantly to tourism promotion, local employment generation and the growth of the regions creative economy. It also provides artisans, entrepreneurs and local businesses an opportunity to gain greater national and international visibility. The delegation said initiatives of this scale could help strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs position as a destination for creativity, tourism and enterprise while creating new avenues for collaboration between the creative and business sectors. The four-day festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and audiences, further enhancing J&Ks profile as an emerging destination for film and creative industries.
Well before it strikes, todays scientific methods can draw a map of damage to a reasonable degree of accuracy. That is what helps efficient systems, put in place in a well-developed ecosystem of disaster preparedness, to mitigate the impact of an impending disaster. In the case of Kashmir, we have now been told a million times that we fall in a higher seismic zone and that anytime an earthquake of a particular magnitude can hit us. Similarly, particularly after what happened in Nepal, the threat of floods striking suddenly is being flagged. The condition of glaciers in our mountain spaces has already been a topic of concern here for quite some time now. But the way thunderstorms and consequent landslides hit us this year, the alarm has gone many notches up. A sense is now building up, and not without evidence, that we are vulnerable to dangers that can grip us anytime. In such a situation, where is the time to sleep over disaster preparedness-related tasks? But are we, as government and civil society, doing anything substantial about it? If we dont wake up now, when is the time to act? The red flag raised by the Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs is only validating the concerns that have been in the public space for quite a while. The concerned departments should take this signal very seriously and start doing something about it. If the Panel says that there are gaps in disaster preparedness that J&K cannot afford, how can the officials of the concerned departments ignore such a warning? The Panels observations on disaster management in J&K underline that J&K is particularly exposed to multiple hazards because of its fragile Himalayan ecology, complex terrain and climatic variability. Though the Committee recognises that preparedness has improved,thegaps still exist. It is time that those gaps are filled and a robust defence is built in advance to mitigate the effects of any disaster that might strike anytime in the future.
KTA urges Govt to fast-track flood mitigation measures across Kashmir
Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to ensure that a comprehensive, time-bound flood mitigation and preparedness plan is firmly in place to protect lives, livelihoods, businesses and critical infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley. KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said the anniversary of the 2014 disaster should not be observed merely as a day of remembrance but as an occasion to assess the administrations preparedness and ensure that the lessons of the catastrophe are translated into concrete preventive action. The floods of 2014 demonstrated the enormous economic and human cost that Kashmir can face when extreme rainfall overwhelms the river and drainage systems. Twelve years later, our priority must be to ensure that such devastation is never repeated. The government must adopt a zero-risk approach to flood preparedness and mitigation, Shahdhar said. KTA said the Government must therefore move beyond emergency response and focus on permanent mitigation. The Alliance urged the administration to undertake a comprehensive review of the flood-management infrastructure along the Jhelum and its tributaries, strengthen vulnerable embankments, ensure regular desilting and maintenance of critical drainage channels and pumping stations, and protect wetlands and natural water-retention areas from encroachment. It also called for strengthening real-time rainfall, river-level and flood forecasting systems, with warnings reaching residents and businesses sufficiently in advance. The Government should establish clear evacuation protocols for vulnerable areas and conduct regular multi-agency flood preparedness drills involving the administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, municipalities, traders and local communities. KTA also welcomed recent steps towards strengthening early-warning systems and disaster-risk planning in Jammu and Kashmir, including proposed early flood-warning systems at key hydropower projects and work on a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas. However, Shahdhar stressed that these measures must form part of a unified Valley-wide flood mitigation strategy rather than remain isolated interventions. The Government has the benefit of twelve years of experience, studies and institutional learning since 2014. There should now be no ambiguity about what needs to be done. Every vulnerable locality, drainage channel, embankment and critical piece of infrastructure should be mapped, its risk assessed and a mitigation deadline fixed, he said. KTA further urged the Government to prepare a dedicated business-continuity and economic-recovery mechanism for the commercial sector. Markets in flood-prone areas should have emergency evacuation plans, protection for essential utilities, designated safe storage arrangements and mechanisms for rapid restoration of electricity, communications, roads and other services. The trade body said the Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project had already incorporated disaster-risk mitigation, including strengthening vulnerable flood-control infrastructure, rehabilitation of storm-water pumping stations, hydro-meteorological resilience planning and river morphology studies. What is required now is implementation, periodic review and public accountability. The Government should publish a status report on the flood-mitigation measures undertaken since 2014 and clearly identify the works that remain incomplete, Shahdhar said. KTA urged the Lieutenant Governors Administration and the elected Government to jointly treat flood resilience as a permanent priority and ensure that Kashmirs growing population, commercial centres and infrastructure are not left exposed to another major flood event. 2014 should remain a warning, not a forecast of the future. Kashmir cannot afford to wait for another disaster before preparing for it, Shahdhar said.
SKUAST-K students win One Health Day Global Award in Lisbon
Students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have earned international recognition for their One Health initiative, receiving the prestigious One Health Day 2025 Student Competition Award at the World One Health Congress (WOHC 2026) in Lisbon, Portugal. The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the international congress, which brought together leading experts, researchers, academicians, policymakers, students and professionals from across the world to advance the One Health approach. Organised by the One Health Commission, the One Health Day Student Competition recognises outstanding student-led initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration across human, animal and environmental health. Representing SKUAST-K, Dr Ayeman Qamri, MVSc Scholar, Veterinary Medicine, and Dr Shivam Srivastava, MVSc Scholar, Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, received the award online on behalf of the SKUAST-K One Health student team (SKUAOHUN). Video messages from the student representatives were also showcased during the formal award ceremony, highlighting the teams work and contribution to advancing the One Health agenda. The recognition follows SKUAOHUNs success in the One Health Day 2025 International Student Competition, where the team secured the top honour for organising a month-long hybrid initiative, One Health Program-2025. Competing with teams from 94 countries across all continents, the SKUAST-K team was recognised for taking the One Health message beyond classrooms through community engagement, awareness, education and interdisciplinary activities. As part of the competition recognition, the team received an International Certificate of Excellence and a cash award of USD 1,000. The achievement underscores the global relevance of the students work and reflects the Universitys growing engagement with transdisciplinary One Health research, education and outreach. SKUAST-K has been working to institutionalise the One Health approach in Jammu and Kashmir. The University initiated a structured One Health roadmap in 2023, including the establishment of a dedicated School of One Health, while also developing collaborations with leading medical and veterinary institutions to advance research, education, innovation and policy engagement in the field. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated Dr Ayeman Qamri, Dr Shivam Srivastava and the entire SKUAOHUN team, along with the scientists and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, on the international achievement. Prof. Ganai said the recognition demonstrates the growing global impact of SKUAST-Ks transdisciplinary approach and reflects the Universitys commitment to addressing emerging societal and scientific challenges through One Health. He described the achievement as an important milestone in the Universitys transition from national to global engagement and reiterated SKUAST-Ks aspiration to emerge as Indias first global agricultural university by 2030.
Dedicated railway freight corridor transforming journey of Kashmir apples
The picturesque valleys of J&K are globally renowned for producing some of the worlds finest apples, alongside delicate cherries and aromatic saffron. However, getting these prized, perishable harvests from Himalayan orchards to bustling metropolitan markets has historically been a logistical hurdle. But the advent of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), according to railway authorities, has marked a monumental turning point, promising to rewrite the economic destiny of Kashmiri apple growers through unprecedented speed, efficiency, and market access. Kashmiri apples are a seasonal powerhouse, but their delicate nature requires rapid transit. Traditionally, relying solely on conventional highway networks and mixed passenger-freight rail routes meant transit times were vulnerable to highway blockades, traffic congestion and delays, they point out. For fruit growers, every hour of delay translates directly to higher spoilage rates i.e., reduced shelf life once the fruit finally reaches wholesale and retail markets; inflated transit costs which means extended travel times driving up logistics and refrigeration expenses and capped earnings i.e., compromised freshness lowering the final market value realised by farmers. DFCCIL A GAME CHANGER In the backdrop of these issues, the DFCCIL emerges as a game changer. It operates massive, high-speed, freight-only linesspecifically the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors spanning nearly 2,843 kilometerscompletely separating cargo from passenger traffic. By integrating modern rail links with this high-capacity national freight network, Kashmiri apples benefit in several critical ways i.e., lightning-fast transit to major hubs as the produce can move swiftly through integrated rail-road networks, reaching massive urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai and beyond in record time. It also drastically reduces spoilage as the faster journeys mean apples arrive crisp, fresh and with maximum shelf life intact, significantly cutting down post-harvest losses, railway authorities assert. Listing another benefit, they assert that it is helping in boosting cold-chain infrastructure as reliable, predictable transit schedules provide the confidence needed for private investors to pour capital into advanced cold-storage facilities and food-processing units directly within Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, it is unlocking higher profit margins. Lower overall logistics costs combined with premium-quality delivery directly translate to enhanced financial returns for local farming communities. Thus, as a way forward to a brighter, sustainable economic future, the ripple effects of the DFCCIL extend far beyond faster train tracks. By bridging the geographical gap between the northern frontiers and Indias busiest economic hubsculminating in direct routes to major ports like JNPTthe corridor acts as a catalyst for holistic regional growth, they maintain. For the apple orchards of Jammu and Kashmir, according to railway officials, the freight corridor is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a vital lifeline that ensures local produce stays fresh, competitive and lucrative on the national stage.
Apple traders warn farmers against premature harvesting as market supply rises
Apple traders in south Kashmir have urged growers not to rush into harvesting their crop, warning that premature picking could increase arrivals in wholesale markets, put downward pressure on prices and affect the quality of fruit stored in controlled-atmosphere (CA) facilities. The warning comes as farmers in several parts of south Kashmir have begun harvesting early varieties, encouraged by relatively strong market prices. Traders, however, have cautioned that large-scale harvesting of unripe fruit could prove counterproductive by flooding wholesale markets before the main harvesting season gets underway. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit Mandi Shopian, appealed to CA storage operators not to accept prematurely harvested apples from growers. Farmers should avoid harvesting the fruit before it reaches maturity. Large arrivals of premature apples can affect the market and also create problems for storage, Wani said. He said growers in lower-lying areas had started harvesting Kullu Delicious and Delicious varieties several weeks ahead of their normal harvesting period. These varieties are normally harvested after September 25, but many farmers are picking them early because of the current prices, Wani said. Traders fear that if the trend continues on a large scale, increased arrivals could lead to an oversupply in wholesale markets just as harvesting gathers pace in higher-altitude areas. Peer Shabir Ahmad, an apple trader and cultivator, said premature harvesting could hurt both growers and the wider apple trade by bringing fruit to the market before it develops the quality required for prolonged storage and better returns. He urged growers to consider the longer-term implications of early harvesting rather than being guided solely by prevailing prices. The concern is particularly significant for Kashmirs storage-based apple trade, where a substantial quantity of fruit is stored in CA facilities and released gradually into the market. Traders said apples harvested before attaining proper maturity may not perform as well during prolonged storage as fully mature fruit. Apple cultivation remains one of the main pillars of Jammu and Kashmirs horticulture economy, supporting growers, traders, transporters, labourers and storage operators across the Valley. With harvesting beginning in some lower-lying areas, traders said maintaining the quality and timing of arrivals would be crucial to preventing an early glut from affecting prices. Farmers, meanwhile, are being encouraged to harvest early by the opportunity to take advantage of relatively higher prices before the main crop reaches the market. Traders cautioned that any immediate gains from premature harvesting could be offset by weaker prices, poor storage performance and reduced demand later in the season. They urged growers to follow the recommended maturity period for each variety and coordinate harvesting with market and storage requirements.
Govt buildings must lead J&Ks rooftop solar push
Srinagar, Sep 8:After households and industrial units, government buildings could become the next major driver of Jammu and Kashmirs rooftop solar transition, with thousands of schools, hospitals, colleges, offices and other public establishments offering ready-made infrastructure for generating electricity. The opportunity is significant because the basic infrastructure - the roof - is already available. The land has been acquired, buildings constructed, and electricity connections provided. Converting technically suitable rooftops into power-generating assets could therefore reduce the governments electricity expenditure without requiring additional land. The government has already taken substantial steps in this direction. In July 2024, the Administrative Council approved the solarisation of government buildings through the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), initially envisaging 270 MW of capacity - 70 MW under the CAPEX model and 200 MW through RESCO - along with smart metering and Virtual Net Metering. The Omar Abdullah government subsequently placed government solarisation prominently in its energy and fiscal strategy. The 2025-26 Budget committed to solarising 22,494 government buildings with an envisaged capacity of 314 MW. The 2026-27 Budget included Rs 50 crore for solarisation of 494 higher-education buildings while continuing the programme across other feasible government establishments. The programme has also received sustained administrative monitoring. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reviewed the power sector and renewable-energy projects, while Chief Secretary AtalDulloo has held implementation reviews focusing on bottlenecks, smart metering, power purchase agreements, timelines and monthly targets. The effort is beginning to show measurable results. As of July 9, 2026, 8131 of the 22,494 identified government buildings had been solarised. By July 28, the figure had increased to 8,181 buildings, with 85.8 MW of installed rooftop solar capacity. This placed J&K third among states and Union Territories in the solarisation of government buildings. The scale of governments electricity consumption, however, indicates that considerable room remains for expansion. The Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Regulatory Commissions tariff order for 2026-27 approved 14,213 state and central government departmental electricity connections under JPDCL and another 9,022 under KPDCL - a combined 23,235 connections. These figures represent electricity connections, not an equivalent number of buildings, but they indicate the size of the public-sector electricity footprint. JERC has also projected more than 1221 million units of annual electricity sales to the state and central government department category alone, excluding separately classified public water works, street lighting and other services. The case for government rooftop solar is therefore not only environmental but fiscal. Every unit of electricity generated and consumed at a government establishment can reduce the amount of power that the government needs to purchase. Rooftop solar can consequently be viewed as a long-life asset capable of reducing recurring electricity expenditure rather than simply as an environmental intervention. This also creates a case for combining budgetary allocations with RESCO investments, green finance, institutional borrowing and climate or multilateral funding. Where the lifetime savings from avoided electricity expenditure exceed financing costs, such investment can effectively convert a recurring expenditure into an asset-backed energy-saving programme. The next priority should be a comprehensive technical assessment of the entire public building estate. Every suitable school, college, university, hospital, office, warehouse and other government property should be geo-tagged and assessed for available roof area, structural suitability, sanctioned load, electricity consumption, optimum solar capacity and expected annual generation. The question should not simply be how much solar power a particular building requires. It should also be how much electricity its roof can safely generate. This is particularly important because the existing framework provides for Virtual Net Metering. A building with a large roof but relatively low electricity consumption could potentially have its generation credited against eligible consumption at other buildings of the same department within the relevant DISCOM area. This means the government can begin thinking beyond individual buildings and towards solarisation of entire departments. Schools and colleges offer a particularly large opportunity because of their extensive roof areas and daytime exposure. Hospitals, universities and administrative complexes combine substantial roof space with significant electricity demand. Warehouses, depots and parking areas could further expand the potential through rooftop installations and solar canopies. The opportunity also extends beyond buildings owned by the J&K government. J&K has a substantial public estate belonging to central government departments, autonomous institutions, defence establishments, paramilitary organisations, railways and other Central agencies. The J&K government could engage the concerned union ministries and agencies to develop a parallel inventory and solarisationprogramme for their technically suitable properties. Security and operational considerations would naturally apply to defence and paramilitary establishments. However, non-sensitive offices, hospitals, schools, residential colonies, administrative campuses and warehouses could potentially contribute to the broader renewable-energy transition. The cumulative impact could be substantial if virtually every technically suitable government school, college, hospital, office, university, police establishment and Central government institution in J&K were progressively converted into a small power-generating asset. Unlike large ground-mounted solar projects, such installations would not require acquisition of additional land or diversion of agricultural land. The infrastructure is already in place. J&K has made a significant start with the solarisation of more than 8,000 government buildings. The next phase should be to systematically identify every remaining viable public-sector rooftop, determine its generation potential and establish clear targets for completing the transition. The objective should be nothing less than a comprehensive Public Buildings Solar Mission covering both the J&K government and central government estate. The message from government to households and industry is increasingly clear: adopt solar to reduce dependence on conventional power and build a more sustainable energy system. The government should now demonstrate that principle on its own buildings. The next power plant in J&K may already be standing on a government roof.
Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, Srinagar-Jammu NH among J&Ks key landslide hotspots: Studies
Srinagar, Sep 8: Nearly 28 percent of Jammu and Kashmir has high or very high susceptibility to landslides, with the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, and major mountain corridors among the areas most exposed, a new study has found.The University of Jammu-led assessment covered nearly 43,000 sq km. It classified 24.4 percent as highly susceptible and 3.6 percent as very highly susceptible.Of 669 recorded landslides in the area, about 87 percent occurred in high or very high susceptibility zones.The main clusters were in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch.Proximity to roads, slope, and distance from streams emerged as the three strongest factors linked to landslide occurrence. Hotspots were identified along Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Batote-Kishtwar-Anantnag National Highway, Jammu-Ring Road, Mughal Road connecting Poonch- Rajouri with Shopian, and the Kishtwar-Kelong road.The close association between landslide-prone areas and road networks highlights the role of human activities in destabilising slopes, the researchers wrote.The study was led by Avtar Singh Jasrotia and co-authored by Amit Sharma, Iswar Chandra Das, Tapas Ranjan Martha, Rajesh Kumar, Vikshay Kumar, and Akarshan Rasyal, all from the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad. It was published in the journal Scientific Reports.Jasrotia said the findings could help authorities identify unstable terrain and plan mitigation.What we can do is assess susceptibility, risk levels, and prepare with precautionary measures, he said.The Chenab Valley, particularly the Banihal-Ramban section of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, is among the clearest examples of the terrain identified in the assessment.The region falls in seismic zone-IV and is susceptible to strong earthquakes. A separate study in 2023-24 led by geologist Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Mir, Scientist at the National Institute of Hydrology-WHRC, Jammu, along with Zahid Habib, Ajay Kumar, and Nadeem Ahmad Bhat, mapped 117 landslide zones along the corridor.It was published in the journal - Natural Hazards by Springer Nature.The inventory recorded 50 debris slides, 34 rockfalls, 20 rock slides, five rock topples, two debris flows, and six old slide zones.About 20.1 percent of the corridor was highly susceptible, 40 percent moderately susceptible, and 39.8 percent low susceptible.Nearly 80 percent of recorded failures occurred in the highly susceptible zone. Mir identified the Digdole-Nashri stretch of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway as particularly fragile.The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), Main Central Thrust (MCT), and Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) have made the rocks highly crushed and susceptible to landslides, he said.Udhampur too has witnessed several landslides and other slope failures along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and around Mata Vaishno Devi due to the highly fragile Murree rock formations and the regions complex geology, marked by major thrust systems such as the MBT, MCT, and HFT, Mir said The highway crosses a complex geological belt marked by major thrusts, faults, fractures, and shear zones.Mir said the geological setting should guide highway planning.Instead of tunnelling, road widening should be preferred, he said.The impact of road widening - after carrying necessary geological and environmental assessment - may be less compared with tunnel digging, he said.Mirs second study in 2023-24 shows that some slopes can also provide warning signs before they fail. The study examined the April 25, 2024, Pernote landslide event in Ramban and was co-authored by Kainat Aziz, Sachchidanand Singh, Ishan Sharma, Zameer Ahmad Shah, and Rayees Ahmed.It was also published in the journal - International Landslide Consortium by Springer Nature.The slide travelled about 1250 metres to the Chenab River, displaced the slope by around 40 metres, and reached a depth of nearly 12 metres.Rainfall of 100-175 mm between April 20 and 24 preceded the failure. But instability had been visible years earlier.Deep fissures, ground cracks, and bulges were observed as early as 2021.Satellite imagery from 2012-22 showed old slide scars and continuing activity.Built-up land increased 19.2 percent during the period.The researchers said combining field surveys with satellite monitoring could help detect progressive slope movement before a major failure. The warning has been reinforced by events along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.In April 2025, intense rainfall triggered landslides at more than 20 locations along the Banihal-Ramban stretch.Vehicles were buried under debris or swept into the Chenab gorge, houses collapsed, and three people died.The highway remained closed for more than three weeks, disrupting the main road link between Kashmir and Jammu. In September 2025, heavy rain and flash floods damaged the highway at Bali Nallah and Tharad in Udhampur district, forcing further closures.The problem extends beyond the Chenab Valley.Mir said similar geological conditions are found across the Pir Panjal and even in parts of Kashmir. In Kashmir, many landslides are observed in the Karewas of Baramulla and along the Ganderbal-Baltal road section due to steep slopes and fragile geology, he said. He cited Ranga Naka and Bajri Nala in Baltal as debris-flow zones also vulnerable to cloudbursts.Parts of Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, and Kathua also remain prone to landslides. The findings add to wider concerns over J&K infrastructure.A 2023 assessment by researchers from India, Switzerland, and the United States estimated that about 85,000 sq km of highways across the Himalayan region are potentially exposed to landslides or avalanches.
LG Ladakh to administer oath to Justice Bhati as Chief Justice today
Srinagar, Sep 8:Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati will take oath as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Wednesday. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) here. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, who was given additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday during the absence, on leave of Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, will administer the oath of office to the chief justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium on August 31 recommended Justice Bhatis elevation as Chief Justice of the High Court. Subsequently, the central government cleared his appointment as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh following a notification issued President DroupadiMurmu. Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati pursued his higher education in law, completing his B A, LL B and LL M in Mercantile Law. Justice Bhati enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and went on to build an extensive legal practice before the Rajasthan High Court. Prior to his elevation to the Bench, Justice Bhati served as the Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan from October 13, 2008 to December 29, 2008 and from January 06, 2014 until his elevation.
10-day J&K LA autumn session to have 7 sittings
Jammu, Sep 8:Ten-day long autumn session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will commence with obituary references in Srinagar on September 21, 2026. As per the provisional calendar issued by J&K Legislative Assembly secretariat as authorised by the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, there will be a total 7 sittings of the sixth session of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory (of Jammu and Kashmir). Besides obituary references, government business will be conducted on the opening day i.e., September 21. Second day September 22, as per provisional calendar, is also reserved for government business. Private Members bills will be taken up on two days i.e., September 24 and 28 while September 25 has been earmarked for Private Members resolutions. The government business will be conducted on September 29. The session will culminate on September 30, 2026 the day again earmarked for the government business, if any. After the Speaker has issued the provisional calendar outlining business schedule and sittings, the Business Advisory Committee may, later, tweak the calendar if some changes are warranted. Meanwhile, to deliberate and finalise the government business to be transacted, during the ensuing autumn session of Union Territory (UT) Legislative Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir cabinet, led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, will meet on September 10 in Srinagar. The cabinet, as per sources, will take call on the bills, resolutions and other government business which need the Houses approval and will be taken up in the upcoming J&K Assembly session. Among the bills to be deliberated during the cabinet meeting will prominently include the one related to Ease of Doing Business (EODB). After cabinets approval, the bills, resolutions will be sent for the Lieutenant Governors nod and given his (LGs) clearance, they will be lined up for introduction in the J&K Legislative Assembly in the autumn session. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 12, 2026 had summoned the autumn session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Srinagar on September 21 at 10 am, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under section 18(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Earlier on August 4, 2026, the J&K Council of Ministers, in its meeting presided over by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, had sent this recommendation to LG Sinha vis--vis convening of the autumn session of the Union Territory legislature from September 21, 2026. The session is being held almost a fortnight ahead of the expiry of the deadline i.e., October 4 of convening a session within six months of the previous session, as per the constitutional requirement. Previous session i.e., the budget session of J&K Legislative Assembly in Jammu had ended on April 4, 2026. SESSION LIKELY TO WITNESS PAPERLESS BUSINESS TRANSACTION THROUGH NeVA Significant aspect of the brief autumn session of J&K Legislative Assembly will be its near-total transition to the electronic system. J&K Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has already specified that the legislative business related to the ensuing autumn session will be processed and managed through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) portal. The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a digital platform for facilitating paperless functioning of Legislative Assemblies and streamlining the management of Legislative Business. To ensure the processing, submission, receipt and disposal of legislative business through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) portal during autumn session, the questions received from the MLAs have already been sent to the concerned departments by the Assembly Secretariat and the log-in credentials of the departments have also been created. Accordingly, all administrative departments have been asked to access their respective NeVa login accounts on daily basis and ensure that legislative business concerning their respective departments, including government bills, legislative proposals and amendments, replies to Legislative Assembly Questions, assurances, notices, references and other related documents, is submitted, received and processed through the NeVA portal in accordance with the prescribed procedure and timelines. The concerned departments have also been directed to ensure that the documents uploaded on the portal are complete, duly authenticated and correspond to the approved version of the relevant proposal or document. LEGISLATORS, MINISTERS, CM GEAR UP TO PROCESS, MANAGE LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS THROUGH NeVA PORTAL Consequently, all the MLAs from both the opposition and treasury benches, Ministers and even the Chief Minister are gearing up to get acquainted with the NeVA system (portal). As per sources, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too has requested the J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat for a brief (NeVA) system-familiarisation session with those dealing with it. The interactive familiarisation session (with CM) may occur on September 9, 2026. NeVA was partially introduced in the 2026 budget session of J&K Legislative Assembly (February to April) in Jammu. The replies of cut motions were processed through the portal. For the implementation of NeVA project in J&K, two committees, one headed by the Assembly Secretary and other apex committee under Speakers chairmanship were also constituted.
Interview: What WHOs Revised Kala-Azar Guidelines Mean For India
Miltefosine for post-kala azar dermal leishmaniasis is associated with eye problems, but new guidelines that either drop the drug or reduce dosage need more clarity, says Shyam Sundar, member of the WHOs guideline development group
J&K medical colleges issue show-cause notices to MBBS interns
Srinagar, Sep 8:Many Government Medical Colleges in J&K have issued show-cause notices and warnings to MBBS and BDS interns who participated in the indefinite strike that came to end on Tuesday evening.They have threatened disciplinary action that could include curtailment, temporary suspension, or even cancellation of their internships.On Tuesday, the Principal of SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, issued a notice to Compulsory Rotating Medical Interns (CRMIs) not attending duties. It directed them to explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.The notice described the strike as gross indiscipline and professional misconduct under National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.It said that the interns had submitted affidavits pledging not to participate in strikes or acts of indiscipline.It warned that failure to respond would lead to strict action as per rules. This, it said, could potentially affect internship completion.Similar notices were issued by Government Medical College Anantnag and others, including GMC Rajouri and GMC Handwara. The absentees were warned of further consequences.There are reports of pressure on parents and threats of suspension or termination in some colleges regarding the strike.One medical college Principal told Greater Kashmir that the show-cause notice was issue as the the strike was getting politicised. At times these long strikes take ugly turns and many doctors then keep on suffering in the later part of their careers, he said.He said that doctors are often made to repeat their missing days as per NMC guidelines.Many become ineligible for their next year's NEET Exam, he said.Interns had intensified their protest with a 48-hour hunger strike that began Monday. The decision n had been taken after the interns said their talks with the government yielded only verbal assurances.They had insist on a written government order. The show-cause notice drew reactions from opposition party PDP and others.
J&K medical interns end 8-day strike
Srinagar, Sep 8:Eight days after launching their strike over the long-pending demand for enhancement of their stipend, the J&K medical interns today agreed to resume duties after government assurance that the issue would be fixed within 30 days.On August 31, the MBBS interns from across J&K Government Medical Colleges had intensified their agitation over the long-pending demand for revision of their stipend. They protested in the form of sit-ins, exhibited banners and placards and spoke about how their stipend was too low to meet basic needs. The agitation entered a hunger-strike phase as they pressed the government to issue a written order for stipend enhancement.According to the record note of meetings held on September 4 and September 8 (mentioned in official document as September 9) between Health and Medical Education Minister SakeenaItoo and a delegation of medical interns, the government has decided that the matter will be finalized within a period of 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Constituted, and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of the medical interns. The note has stated that the medical interns have agreed to call off the strike and resume their duties, in the larger interest of patientcare and safeguard their academic and professional interests.The meetings, the official note issued from the Personal Section of the Health Minister, have said, were attended by representatives of the medical interns, including the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar and the Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir. The delegation raised concerns over the existing stipend structure and pressed for a suitable revision. It had also cited the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities in the healthcare system.The note states that during the deliberations, the Minister assured the interns that their concerns were receiving due consideration. They were informed that the formation of the committee itself was a proof of the seriousness of the government to examine the issue comprehensively. The agitation had raised concerns over its impact on routine hospital services and patient care.The demand for enhancement of the stipend of medical and dental interns has been pending for seven years in J&K. The interns have repeatedly been seeking a revision in view of the nature of their duties, long working hours and the responsibilities they shoulder in government hospitals.The monthly payment has remained unchanged at Rs 12,300 despite repeated representations and protests. The issue had, reached the government level in 2023, when the Health and Medical Education Department constituted a committee under Government Order No 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023. The committee was tasked to examine enhancement of the stipend.It subsequently recommended increasing the stipend to Rs 25,000 a month. The recommendation remained unimplemented for years. This year in February, the government told the Legislative Assembly that the proposal was under consideration of the Finance Department. The Health Minister has many a times reiterated that the file for revision of stipend has been pending with the Finance Department.The agitation on Monday drew intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said the issue should be resolved at the earliest. He made it clear that the decision of stipend enhancement rested with the Health Department. The CM said the prolonged dispute was affecting the interns work and internship and was not in anyones interest. Its sad. The matter shouldnt have come to this. This is a matter of the Health Department. Until the department takes a decision, no other department can do anything, he said.The disparity with other states has been a key point of contention J&K MBBS interns. J&K currently pays Rs 12,300 a month while interns in several states receive Rs 25,000 or more. It is Rs 44,319 in Odisha, Rs 43,099 in West Bengal and Rs 35,000 in Assam.
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Sandoz bets big on biosimilars, aims to double group sales by 2035
Sandoz plans to more than double annual net sales by 2035, with biosimilars leading growth. The company will expand its biosimilar portfolio to 100 drugs by 2040. Sandoz targets mid-to-high single-digit sales growth from 2025 to 2030. Its net sales targets exclude potential contributions from generic GLP-1 drugs. Sandoz will invest an additional $300 million in a Slovenian biosimilar manufacturing facility.
Government panel plans to retain rule allowing doorstep drug delivery
A government sub-committee has decided to uphold the 2020 rule for doorstep delivery of medicines, recognizing its critical importance for elderly patients and those living in remote locations. Despite the chemists' request to revoke the rule due to concerns of misuse by digital platforms, the sub-committee concluded that maintaining this service is essential for vulnerable populations, recommending instead a stricter enforcement of the existing regulations.
Security review held for Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra
Ganderbal, Sep 8: A detailed security and preparedness review meeting was held on Tuesday in connection with the upcoming Annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra 2026, with senior police officers assessing arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage. The meeting was convened by SDPO Kangan and chaired by SSP Ganderbal, with DySP SOG Ganderbal, SHO Kangan and other concerned officers in attendance. During the meeting, officers undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing security situation along the yatra route and discussed the proposed deployment of security personnel at vulnerable and strategically important locations. The meeting also focused on logistical preparedness, disaster-response mechanisms, communication arrangements and contingency plans to deal with any eventuality during the pilgrimage. The officers assessed the availability of necessary resources and coordinated measures among different agencies to ensure prompt response in case of emergencies. Particular emphasis was laid on strengthening communication and maintaining effective coordination between field personnel and concerned departments. The SSP Ganderbal directed the concerned officers and agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that all arrangements are put in place well in advance. Necessary directions were also issued regarding force deployment, emergency preparedness and other operational requirements.
Chinas Snake Doctor survives 9 bites, a divorce threat and finger loss to save rare viper
