Distrust bringing new challenges for world; India bright spot of growth, hope: PM Modi
New Delhi, Aug 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that India has political stability and continuity in its policies, and the world sees the country as a bright spot of growth and hope. Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Modi also said today, there are many concerns regarding growth and in these times, the world has witnessed a very severe form of weaponisation of resources. This atmosphere of distrust is bringing numerous new challenges for the world. Even in such times, the world is seeing India as a bright spot of growth and hope, he said. The prime minister said bringing reforms in all spheres is his government's commitment and that India continues to take several steps to ensure continued growth momentum. Modi asserted that India will further strengthen its position globally and he is committed to ensuring that. We are shaping pro-people, pro-growth policies. We have passed reform bills even during the last Parliament session marred by opposition protests, he said. The prime minister said India is undertaking next-generation reforms at the policy level, so that the country's future is secure. It is reforming governance and ease of living. Reform is not a compulsion for us, it is our commitment, our conviction, he said. Modi promised that he will ensure that the eform express gains further speed. I promise more reforms for ease of living for our people, he said. Modi said the world has many concerns regarding growth as resources are getting weaponised, but India is being seen as a bright spot of growth. He said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has a clear roadmap for reforms, with a strong focus on governance. Our government is rewarding higher production with incentives, he said. Modi alleged that it was the policy of the previous regimes to keep people in scarcity, so that they beg before the government for even basic needs. He said the licence raj of the previous governments used to add to the burden of unemployment, whereas the current government's production-linked-incentive model is creating opportunities. We are not just changing regulations, we are changing the entire policy of regulations. Our government believes that there should be no regulation for doing something that has not been explicitly prohibited under a law, he said. We are moving from the 'prohibited-unless-permitted' approach to the 'permitted-unless-prohibited' model, the prime minister said. He said India has moved away from the PLP (Production-Linked Punishment) model of the previous governments to PLIs (Production-Linked Incentives) now. Today's young generation will be surprised to hear that there was a time in our country when if a company exceeded the fixed production limit, it would be punished. This was the PLP model of the previous licence-raj governments, he said. The prime minister said there have also been instances where if a factory produced more due to higher demand, it would receive a notice. Those who mock Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat today are carrying forward the same mindset of their predecessors. A particular kind of distorted thinking was behind this approach, he said. Citing an example, the prime minister said earlier, no one could make India's map without permission even though foreign satellites could map India, but his government has changed this system. He also said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has decided that border infrastructure is India's strength and not weakness. We have changed the picture of our border infrastructure, Modi said. The prime minister accused the previous governments of making announcements only for elections, while adding that headlines in politics have a life of just 24 hours. I would have made headlines by just promising free electricity, but I decided to provide free solar energy to every household, he said. Modi said over the last few years, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs, and these experiences have made one thing clear -- whether one likes it or not, the future of every country is connected with that of other countries. Nothing is possible in isolation, so this theme of this year's summit, 'Shared Future', has become even more relevant. India has always moved forward with this very spirit, he said, adding that during the country's G20 presidency, the mantra was One Earth, One Family, One Future. Modi said the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) forecast suggests that India will remain the world's fastest-growing major economy, while asserting that the country is taking steps that are giving momentum to its development. The prime minister also referred to the crisis often engulfing the previous governments, alleging that certain people then always wanted a shortage of essential things and to keep the country's citizens in deprivation. They wanted the public to come before them with folded hands, he said. Modi said earlier, the approach to regulation was prohibited unless permitted, but the current government is changing this approach to permitted unless prohibited. This means that if something is not legally prohibited, there is no need to seek permission at every step. The basic ideology is that the foundation of the relationship between the public and the government should not be suspicion, but trust, he said.
There's one big reason I'll choose the Pixel 11 Pro Fold over the Galaxy Z Fold 8
It hit me while on vacation: The Pixel has something the Z Fold 8 doesn't, and it's a game-changer.
Scientists use rainforest sounds to teach AI to identify hard-to-recognise birds
CM Omar Abdullah inaugurates Waste to Wonder Flower Garden and Floriculture Mela in Srinagar
Rahul Gandhi is doing what the country expects from him: Omar Abdullah
From waste to wonder, Srinagars new concept garden ; a unique attraction for visitors and locals
Smart Cancer Drug May Target Tumour Cells While Sparing Healthy Cells, Study Finds
New Indian research develops RK 251, a drug candidate designed to activate mainly inside cancer cells.
Security forces alone cannot defeat terrorism, whole-of-society approach needed: J-K LG
Jammu, Aug 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday underscored the vital role of community solidarity in eliminating terrorism, substance abuse and corruption, while promoting economic development and a spiritual renaissance in Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha was speaking after laying the foundation stone of Amriteshwar Sarovar under the 'Jan Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' initiative at Dharpur in Sunderbani area of Rajouri district. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the Shri Amriteshwar Shiv temple. Addressing a public gathering, LG said that community solidarity has a crucial role to play in eliminating terrorism, substance abuse and corruption, besides driving economic development and ushering in a spiritual renaissance in Jammu and Kashmir. India is going through a great spiritual revival. This cultural wave is felt across Jammu-Kashmir, bringing people closer together and strengthening our community bonds, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged people to remain vigilant against the nefarious designs of anti-national elements, report suspicious activities and completely isolate terror sympathisers. Security forces alone cannot defeat terrorism. Eradicating this threat demands a whole-of-society approach. United societal effort is required along with police and security agencies to dismantle the illicit financial and logistical webs of narco-terror networks, he said. Sinha said a concerted security and societal effort involving the Army, security forces, J&K Police, local administration and residents has significantly degraded terrorism and transformed the security landscape of the region. It was once grimly predicted that the tricolour would find no willing hands to carry it in Jammu-Kashmir. Today, it is held high with pride on countless resolute shoulders, he said. Responding to demands raised by the people, Sinha assured them that sincere efforts would be made by the administration to address public grievances and meet local infrastructure needs.
Woman killed, another injured after LPG tanker hits Scooty on NH-44 in Ramban
Banihal, Aug 21: A woman was killed and another injured after the scooty they were riding was hit by an LPG gas tanker near Chamba Seri on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway-44 in Ramban district on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Shakeela, wife of Sameer Ahmed Tantray, resident of Seri, Ramban, while the injured woman was identified as Rafia Farooq, daughter of Farooq Ahmed Wani, resident of Kundi Karol, Ramban m According to reports, the two women were travelling on a scooty bearing registration number JK19-0393 when the LPG tanker hit their two-wheeler near Chamba Seri. The tanker driver reportedly fled the spot after the accident. SHO Ramban Vikram Singh Parihar told Greater Kashmir that the LPG tanker was later traced and apprehended at Nashri Police Naka with the help of CCTV footage from cameras installed around the accident site on NH-44. He said a rescue operation was launched immediately after the accident. However, Shakeela succumbed to her injuries, while Rafia Farooq was shifted to District Hospital Ramban for treatment. Her condition was stated to be stable and out of danger. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident.
Vande Mataram never embraced wholeheartedly by Opposition after Independence: Amit Shah
New Delhi, Aug 21: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal, and interacted with the personnel. On the occasion, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Mahesh Dixit, Secretary, Border Management, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, and SSB Director General Sanjay Singhal, among several other senior officers, were present. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that the occasion of the country's 80th Independence Day on August 15th was very special. He said that, for the first time, after completing 150 years since the composition of the national song Vande Mataram and 80 years of the countrys independence, the entire rendition of Vande Mataram was heard by the people of the country and the entire world from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyays immortal composition Vande Mataram not only gave momentum to our freedom movement but also gave it a vision of what independent India should be like. Shah said that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyays composition made it clear that independent India must move forward by embracing cultural nationalism. Union Home Minister said that even after the country was partitioned at the time of Independence, Vande Mataram was never wholeheartedly accepted by the main opposition party. Keeping public sentiments in mind, Vande Mataram was sung in the Parliament and everyone would stand, but it was saddening to see that the entire song was not sung. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs recently got a Bill passed by the Parliament and decided to make the complete rendition of Vande Mataram a part of government programmes, which is a historic step. This will ensure that future generations, including our children and youth, receive the immortal message of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Ji. He said that if the complete Vande Mataram is sung every day in schools, children will certainly be imbued with a strong sense of patriotism. Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the Saptadharathe seven streams of strength that will empower the nation. He said that the Prime Minister has called upon the youth of the country to connect with seven key streamsmanufacturing power, defence strength, agriculture and food processing, green and blue economy, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti (Infrastructure), and Indias soft powerand participate in nation-building. He added that Prime Minister Modi has also set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and launching eight new semiconductor plants over the next three years. He said that, on the strength of these seven streams, when India celebrates the centenary of its Independence, the country will be at the forefront in every field across the world. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the previous Chief Minister of West Bengal never attended the programmes of SSB and BSF. He said that SSB, BSF and ITBP are not agencies of any political party or government, but forces that protect the borders, and all political parties should stand with these personnel. Shah said that preventing infiltration and securing West Bengal and the country is our resolve, and fencing is the strongest measure for this. Praising West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, he said that ever since he assumed office, the Centre has received immediate and all possible cooperation from the state government for border security. Shah said that within just 45 days of the formation of the government in West Bengal, the Government of India received 1,139 acres of land for the BSF and SSB. He said that these were parcels of land that the Government of India had been seeking since 2014, but the previous government in Bengal had not provided them. He said that the people of West Bengal have elected a government that gives priority to national security. Amit Shah said that the foundation stone for the administrative building of SSBs Frontier Headquarters in Siliguri was laid today, which will be constructed over 80 acres. He informed that the foundation stone for the 19th Battalion in Thakurganj, the e-foundation stone for the 12th Battalion in Kishanganj, and the foundation stone for the Transit Camp at New Jalpaiguri were also laid today. Shah said that new projects worth a total of 189 crore have been initiated here today to provide administrative and residential facilities for SSB personnel. He further said that ever since he became the Home Minister, the requirements of the security forceswhether the SSB, BSF or Assam Rifleshave remained among the topmost priorities on the agenda of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that the SSB has a glorious history. From 1965 onwards, the SSB expanded its presence to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Tripura, Meghalaya in 1975, Sikkim in 1976, Rajasthan and Gujarat in 1985, and Nagaland, Mizoram and South Bengal in 1989. He said that wherever the SSB was deployed, its personnel performed commendably and worked tirelessly, day and night, to ensure security. He said that after the Kargil War, when the One Border, One Force policy was adopted, the SSB was entrusted with the most challenging task of guarding the open borders with friendly neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. Since 2001, the SSB has been deployed along the 1,751-kilometre-long India-Nepal border and, since 2004, along nearly 700 kilometres of the India-Bhutan border. He said that when a border is fenced, the responsibility of the force guarding it becomes somewhat easier. However, the SSB is tasked with monitoring unfenced borders, which is the most challenging assignment. He said that he often states that the personnel of the SSB have one of the most difficult responsibilities because they are deployed along open borders. Shah said that the entire country respects the SSB personnel for their coordination, dedication to safeguarding the nation, and contribution towards strengthening Indias cultural ties with both friendly neighbouring countries. Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has fully recognised the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor from the perspective of national security. He said that this highly sensitive and strategically important corridor connects eight states. Three international borderswith Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladeshadjoin the Siliguri Corridor, and its security is intrinsically linked to the security of the nation. Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has strengthened national security by securing the Siliguri Corridor through a triangular grid. He said that in this densely populated corridor, the government has increased its awareness, presence and dominance. He added that the security forces have participated in various operations and exercises from time to time, but one gap remained. He said that to fully strengthen and secure the Siliguri Corridor, agencies of the Government of India required 560 acres of land, which the previous government in West Bengal had not provided. He said that the Government of India commends West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for granting in-principle approval for the allocation of 560 acres of land. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that security forces alone cannot ensure the security of any region. He said that increasing population, migration and tourism in an area helps strengthen our presence there. He said that the Delhi-Siliguri corridor is also included among the 7 high-speed rail corridors approved in the 2026-27 Budget, which will enable travel from Delhi to Siliguri in just a few hours within 2-3 years. He said that we have transformed the Siliguri and Jalpaiguri stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. Amit Shah said that through the Vibrant Villages Programme, we are not only connecting villages but also working to establish a strong emotional connect with the Indians living in these villages. He said that the scheme, with an expenditure of 6,839 crore, is of great significance for the Bangladesh and Bhutan borders. He said that the government will take forward its concept of safe, secure and vibrant land borders. He added that 190 crore has been invested here today to improve the facilities for our personnel and strengthen the countrys defence capabilities. This will provide comfort to the minds, bodies and spirits of the personnel and give them a better working environment. During his address Home Minister paid tribute to renowned Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh on their death anniversaries. He said that Ustad Bismillah Khan played a significant role in taking Indian music to the global stage. He promoted ragas and raginis and worked to popularise Indias rich tradition of classical music. Speaking about former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, the Home Minister said that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he made efforts to undertake the administrative reorganisation of the state for the first time and made a significant contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Meet Jaeho Lee, the teen delivering solar vaccine fridges where power fails
What is Contamination OCD? When Fear of Germs Takes Control of Your Life
Washing your hands more than usual? Discover what Contamination OCD really is. An expert explains the causes, signs, and how to regain control of your life.
Bipolar Disorder Hidden Triggers: Can Caffeine and Sugar Spark a Manic Episode?
Caffeine and sugars name has long been linked to anxiety. But can they also trigger a bipolar manic episode? Our expert explains it in this article.
Scientists find a new frog species hidden in a museum drawer for a century
Yoga vs Pilates vs Tai Chi: Which Is Best For Losing Weight?
Choosing between yoga, Pilates, and tai chi for weight loss? Read on to know about their benefits side by side as an expert explains which can help you in your fitness journey.
Punching up fitness: Visakhapatnam women turn to kickboxing and strength training
In Visakhapatnam, women are finding new ways to work out, with kickboxing, music and community bringing strength training into the social space
7 Benefits Of Eating A Banana Every Day For Better Health And Fitness
Bananas are more than a quick snack. Read on to know as a nutritionist breaks down 7 ways this fruit supports fitness, energy, and recovery.
Union Health Minister reviews H1N1 Influenza preparedness; emphasises vigilance, robust surveillance
New Delhi, Aug 21: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda, today reviewed the prevailing situation and preparedness for H1N1 Influenza in the country, with particular focus on the National Capital. Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting. The Union Health Minister reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) trends, testing and laboratory surveillance, and preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases. Nadda emphasised the need for continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, with close monitoring of influenza trends and timely identification and management of any unusual increase or clustering of cases. The preparedness of healthcare facilities in Delhi was reviewed, including the availability of hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostics, and other critical supplies. The Minister stressed the importance of adequate surge capacity and seamless referral mechanisms, particularly for patients requiring specialised or critical care. The Union Health Minister called for continued strengthening of early detection, timely testing and appropriate clinical management of influenza cases, along with effective utilisation of the existing surveillance and laboratory network. Earlier, on 10th July 2026, the Union Health Secretary had written to all States/UTs advising them to strengthen preparedness and surveillance for Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) and ensure healthcare facilities remain adequately prepared. Nadda also emphasised public awareness and preventive health practices, including respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene, and advised individuals with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs to seek medical advice promptly. The Union Health Minister reiterated that the situation is being closely and continuously monitored, while emphasising the need for sustained and coordinated efforts for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases, including Dengue and Malaria. Nadda called for a proactive and preparedness-oriented approach by State Governments, with active participation of Municipal Councillors and other local bodies in generating awareness among communities on the prevention, spread and control of seasonal diseases. Highlighting the increase in TB detection in the National Capital through the active involvement of local bodies and a whole-of-government approach, the Union Minister stressed the importance of active participation of public representatives at all levels in disseminating factual and evidence-based information and strengthening community engagement. The Ministry continues to coordinate closely with States/UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders to ensure effective surveillance, early detection, timely clinical management and proactive preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1. The meeting was also attended by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava; Additional Secretary (Public Health) Dr. Rakesh Gupta; Delhi State Health Secretary Rupesh Kumar Thakur and other senior officers.
A low-tech solution from the past may be your best defense against AI deepfakes
AI-enabled identity theft is getting too sophisticated to have predictable tells anymore, so experts recommend answering with a seemingly old-fashioned approach.
What Happens If You Eat Avocado Daily? 5 Health Benefits You Should Know
Eating avocado daily can support heart health, digestion, and nutrient absorption when done right. Read on to know what a dietician says really happens to your body over time.
The best large tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
We tested the best big-screen tablets from Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and more, to help you choose the right one.
Vijay Parpati Indications, Properties & Dosage Reference: Rasa Tantra Saar & Siddha Prayoga Sangraha Part 1 / Parpati ... Read more The post Vijay Parpati appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
Zydus Lifesciences gets USFDA nod for generic ascorbic acid injection
Zydus Lifesciences secured final USFDA approval for its generic ascorbic acid injection. This approval is for the treatment of scurvy in specific patient groups. The company's product is the generic equivalent of the Ascor injection. The USFDA designated this application as a Competitive Generic Therapy. Zydus will market the product in the United States market.
What is Pregnancy Gingivitis? Expert Explains Causes, Signs and Tips to Manage
Swollen, tender gums during pregnancy? You might have gingivitis. Learn from an expert about why it happens, and the best ways to protect your smile.
Restrictions on Jama Masjid pulpit seem part of state policy: Mirwaiz
Srinagar, Aug 21: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday said that restrictions on his religious activities and attempts to prevent him from addressing congregations at historic religious sites appeared to be part of the state policy. Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz said he had returned to the mosque after nearly two weeks during which he was prevented from delivering the Friday sermon there and was also denied an opportunity to address the gathering of Khwaja Digar at Naqshband Sahib. He said being able to address the people was a blessing and called for patience in the face of restrictions. Every opportunity to be there I counted as a blessing from Allah, as restrictions and attempts to silence the pulpit, unfortunately, seemed to be part of the state policy right now, he said. It was a time to bear with patience and continue the good work, however possible, he added. Mirwaiz also spoke about the historical role of the Jama Masjid pulpit, saying it had traditionally been used for religious and moral education and for raising awareness among people about their rights as well as duties. Addressing those imposing restrictions, he said they may not be aware of the history and significance of the pulpit. He said the pulpit had, whenever required, served as a voice for the concerns and aspirations of the people while also promoting peaceful coexistence and advocating minority rights. According to Mirwaiz, the approach adopted from the pulpit had always been guided by Islamic teachings and focused on peaceful and principled engagement. The manner has always been in accordance with Islamic teachings peaceful, principled and dignified; dialogue over confrontation and issue-based over personal, he said. Mirwaiz said the tradition would continue whenever he was given an opportunity to address the people. Inshallah, it will continue to do so whenever given the chance. It is the legacy of my forefathers and the shared inheritance of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he concluded.
Sanjivani Vati Indications, Properties & Dosage Reference Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhyam khand/ Chapter 7 (Vatakkalpana) Abstract Immunity, digestion, and ... Read more The post Sanjivani Vati appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
Lowering travel advisories welcome, US tourists can boost J&K tourism: Sogami
Video: Irfan Pathan Tries Aprium Fruit For 1st Time, Finds Best Pizza Ever In Detroit
Sharing videos on Instagram, Irfan Pathan captured his best foodie moments in Detroit.
PM Modi assures support to space startups, urges them to develop solutions for everyday needs
New Delhi, Aug 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday assured full support of the government to young space entrepreneurs and urged them to explore how space technology can be used in agriculture, livestock management, dairy, environment and other areas that affect people's everyday lives. Interacting with CEOs and founders of 20 space startups here, Modi also hailed them for showing remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain of space startups as they have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. He assured them of the government's full support and called for greater collaboration between space companies and organisations in other sectors to expand the use of their technologies. I assured the space startups that government of India will continue to stand with them as they build India's capabilities for the future. India can offer the world a strong, innovative and commercially viable model in the space sector, he said. Modi also urged the startups to explore how space technology could contribute to agriculture, livestock management, dairy, environment and many other areas that touch everyday lives. The prime minister suggested, Companies working on space debris could work with environmental organisations to scale up their technologies. Space technology companies working with the agriculture sector could collaborate with agricultural universities and departments to help farmers make better informed decisions and maximise their output. The prime minister said the startups made insightful presentations on their work and appreciated the government's space reforms and the opportunities they had created for the industry to grow. It was wonderful to meet the Yuva Urja of India's space sectoryoung entrepreneurs and innovators who have shown remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain. They have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. Due to this, India has achieved a lot in the space sector in the last few years, he said. He said India's private space ecosystem could become a major force for the country and the world and called for an ecosystem in which the world looks to India when thinking about the space sector. India's space sector can act as a magnet to attract global talent, companies and investment to the country, Modi said, urging industry players to rapidly strengthen India's position globally. The prime minister also encouraged space startups to engage with Atal Tinkering Labs, saying they could spark curiosity among schoolchildren and inspire the next generation to participate in the space sector. He recalled that opening the space sector to private participation had generated significant enthusiasm and created new opportunities for industry. The prime minister said many countries either could not invest in the space sector or did not wish to do so, presenting India with a major opportunity to rapidly strengthen its position in the global space industry. He also encouraged space companies to explore new applications of their technologies and focus on how these could make people's lives easier, while calling for greater collaboration between space-sector firms and companies working in other areas. The CEOs of leading companies in the space sector working in diverse fields ranging from building rockets and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion system, space and defence intelligence, removing space debris, AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence, among others, participated in the interaction. The prime minister said the confidence shown by the private space sector had strengthened the vision behind opening the industry to private participation. The CEOs highlighted the rapid progress being made by India's private space industry and shared their vision for its future. They said their companies had invested significant time and effort in building capabilities and developing the required technologies indigenously in the country, while expressing gratitude for the support received from the Prime Minister. They also highlighted the strong support from the government and collaboration within the industry, saying their teams were highly motivated and working with determination to achieve ambitious goals in the space sector. The CEOs recalled that opening the space sector to private participation had generated significant enthusiasm and created new opportunities for industry. They also said several companies had shown interest in adopting and leveraging technologies developed by India's emerging private space industry. The startups participating in the interaction included Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe (Hyspace), Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.
Mortar shell destroyed along LoC in Poonch
Mendhar, Aug 21: The Army on Friday detected and destroyed safely a live mortar shell found along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mankote sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said. The mortar shell was neutralised through a controlled disposal operation carried out by the Armys bomb disposal squad (BDS) in Dabraj area, they said. No loss of life or damage to property was reported in the operation, they said.
J&K education enrolment rises 17% in two years: Sakina Itoo
Constable's residence searched under probe into 'forgery' in securing appointment: J-K Police
Srinagar, Aug 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch on Friday searched the residence of a policeman as part of an investigation into alleged forgery to secure an appointment in the police department, an officer said. The case pertains to allegations regarding the appointment of selection grade Constable Manzoor Ahmad Najar, a resident of Safakadal area of the city, through submission of forged documents relating to his date of birth and educational qualifications, the officer said. A case in this regard has been registered under Sections 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery) and 471 (using a forged document) of RPC. The Special Crime Wing (Kashmir) of the Crime Branch conducted the search in compliance with a search warrant issued by the Court of Special Mobile Magistrate (PT&E), Srinagar, according to the officer. The search was conducted in accordance with due process of law, the official said, adding that further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.
From Iran to Kashmir on a bicycle: Iranian womans incredible journey
Medical devices industry needs to focus more on local value addition: Pharma Secy
The medical devices sector must increase local value addition and component manufacturing. Government officials are open to industry suggestions for PLI scheme beneficiaries. Many companies invested but could not claim incentives for various reasons. The government aims to incentivize component makers more than assembly operations. Increased domestic value addition is a key objective for the sector.
7 Subtle Signs Your Heart Health Needs Attention
There are certain common signs that may look harmless, but knowing when to take them seriously could protect your heart. We have listed the top 7 signs that you should not overlook.
Two vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia
New Delhi, Aug 21: Two commercial vessels carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals have been hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia, a senior shipping ministry official said Friday. The Indian crew members aboard both vessels are safe, according to the latest information available, the official said. The Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker M.T. Sibu 1, carrying 20 crew members, including 16 Indians, was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on August 20, about 30 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast, the official said. The crew also includes one Syrian, one Sudanese and one Iraqi national, while the nationality of another seafarer has yet to be confirmed. A second vessel, the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF, was hijacked on August 17 off Somalia's Puntland coast, according to the official. The vessel has 10 crew members, including six Indians. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) in a post on X raised concerns over dangers faced by Indian seafarers amid the Iran war. It released footage of what it claimed to be a hijacking of a vessel carrying 22 crew members, including 21 Indians, in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22. The footage was posted on Friday and it was unclear if the FSUI was talking of a separate hijacking or the latest ones. The shipping ministry official quoted above said, As reported by Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agency - S K S Krishi Marine Services (Opc) Private Limited, six armed pirates are presently onboard the vessel (M.T. Sibhu-1) and have taken control of the vessel. The RPSL agency has been advised to submit an incident report and subsequent periodic updates through the e-Navik online marine casualty reporting system, the official said. Maritime tracking information indicates the tanker was approached by an unauthorised vessel before control of the ship was lost. The incident occurred as piracy activity off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden has increased this year. A second vessel, the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF, was hijacked on August 17 off Somalia's Puntland coast, according to the official and maritime security reports. The vessel has 10 crew members, including six Indians. The vessel is reported to have been boarded by eight pirates, armed with AK-47 type weapons and operating from two skiffs. The crew initially mustered in the citadel. However, the pirates gained access and subsequently brought them to the bridge. The vessel is currently under pirate control. No injuries have been reported thus far, he said. The vessel was seized about 3 nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland's Eyl district and was subsequently taken toward Somalia's Nugaal coast, according to a Somali official cited by The Associated Press. The crew includes six Indians, one Turkish national, one Georgian national and two Serbian security guards. Cargo ship M/V LUTUF was carrying Turkish weapons, communications, and satellite equipment and destined for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu. The 10-person crew included nationals from India, Turkey, Georgia, and Serbia. The hijackers - eight armed men suspected of involvement in a previous hijacking - steered the ship toward the Nugaal coast. The renewed threat adds to security pressures already facing commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and wider Indian Ocean region, where vessels have also had to contend with attacks linked to the conflict in Yemen. The two hijackings also come as Indian seafarers face heightened security concerns elsewhere in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have disrupted one of the world's most important shipping corridors. The developments are particularly significant for India, which has become the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers after the Philippines. The 2026 BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report estimates that India supplies 311,936 seafarers, underscoring the country's large exposure to risks affecting merchant crews worldwide.
Hot, humid weather to continue across J&K till August-end, brief intense showers likely: MeT
In 2022, French researchers used moving solar panels to shade apple trees
Yoghurt instead of diabetes shots? China's 'smart' probiotic shows promise
The engineered probiotic, named Gift, detects high blood sugar and releases the glucose-lowering hormone GLP-1, with animal tests showing effects comparable to Ozempic
In Benin, malnutrition and misinformed views contribute to widespread stunting in children
In Benin, stunting affects a third of children under 5 due to malnutrition, despite abundant resources
Budha Amarnath pilgrim dies of cardiac arrest in Poonch
Poonch/Jammu, Aug 21: A 68-year-old pilgrim from Bihar undertaking the Budha Amarnath yatra died after complaining of chest discomfort at a lodging centre in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Friday, officials said. The deceased was identified as Dinesh Prasad, a resident of Belaganj in Gaya district of Bihar, they said. According to officials, the pilgrim developed chest discomfort during the intervening night of August 20 and 21, and was brought to the District Hospital Poonch at around 12:15 am where he passed away. The cause of death was recorded as cardiac arrest, officials said The Budha Amarnath yatra, which was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 17 from Jammu, will continue till August 28.
Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan shifted back to jail from hospital
Islamabad, Aug 21 : Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was shifted back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Friday morning after undergoing a medical examination at a private hospital in Islamabad, where he was taken from prison in compliance with a Supreme Court order. Khan, 73, was moved to Shifa International Hospital after midnight in compliance with the court's August 18 order directing that he be transferred there within two days after a medical report submitted before it said he was suffering from level three plus anxiety. Level three plus anxiety refers to high-level or severe anxiety where worry overwhelms daily tasks, triggers intense physical strain and disrupts clear thinking. In a social media post, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the former premier had been taken back to Adiala Jail after being examined at the hospital. In the light of the Supreme Courts order, the prisoner was taken to the hospital under appropriate security arrangements during the night between August 20 and 21, the minister said. He did not name Khan nor Shifa International Hospital in his post. A team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician, conducted a detailed examination of him and declared him medically fit. His sister, Uzma Khan, remained present during all stages of the medical examination/treatment, Tarar said. After the completion of the entire medical process, he was shifted back to Adiala jail at approximately 5 am, he said, without naming the deposed prime minister. Earlier, Khan's international media spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari had confirmed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder had been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital following the Supreme Court order. Khan had been lodged in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, a detention facility on the outskirts of the garrison city. He was arrested on August 5, 2023, on multiple charges, including corruption, and has remained in custody since then. The apex court on Tuesday directed that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital within the next two days, and he shall remain there until the next hearing of his case on September 16. The government on Thursday filed a petition in the court, seeking a review and recall of its order. However, the court's registrar's office returned the petition, citing incomplete paper books as the reason. Khans party has threatened to file a contempt of court petition against the government on Friday if he is not admitted to hospital by Thursday 11:59 pm. Rana Sanaullah, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, on Thursday had claimed that there was no deadline for transferring Khan to the hospital. The PTI founder's family and supporters have been raising concerns over his health. One of the main concerns in Khans case was an eye condition. The former cricketer-turned-politician was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for eye treatment multiple times over the last few months after his ailment -- right central retinal vein occlusion -- came to light in late January. Demands to move him to a private hospital intensified since then. Khan's relatives and party colleagues have repeatedly alleged human rights violations, and accused the authorities of restricting his access to adequate medical care, family visits and legal counsel.
Is Pani Puri Too Spicy For Jonty Rhodes? South African Cricketer Has The Perfect Desi Reply
South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes shares a lighthearted moment eating pani puri in Rotterdam and talks about his India connection.
Hit the road by driving down to Pune to indulge in these delicious mutton dishes
From legendary highway dhabas, to modern cocktail bars, weve curated some of the best, most diverse places in Pune to head to indulge in it, and make it worth the drive
Man found dead in Srinagar's Dughwan forest
Srinagar, Aug 21: The body of a 42-year-old man was recovered from the Dughwan forest area on the outskirts of Srinagar early Friday morning, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the mans body was found in the Dughwan forest area and was taken to PHC Harwan, where doctors declared him brought dead. He said the body was later shifted to SMHS Hospital for further medical examination. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Lateef (42), son of Mohammad Aalam, a resident of Thugla in Rajouri district. Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated and further proceedings in the matter are underway.
You May Be Taking Isabgol Wrong. These 4 Combinations Serve Different Purposes
Isabgol can be taken with cold milk, curd, lemon water, or hot water to target different digestive health concerns.
IIM Jammu to celebrate 10 years of excellence on Aug 22
Jammu, Aug 21: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu will mark a significant milestone in its institutional journey with the celebration of its 10th anniversary on August 22, 2026 at Mandapam, IIM Jammu. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will be the chief guest in the inaugural ceremony and he will also release coffee table books documenting significant milestones and achievements of IIM Jammus ten-year journey. The celebrations will bring together eminent dignitaries, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, members of the Board of Governors, alumni, faculty, staff and students to celebrate the past, recognise the present and collectively shape the future. The day-long celebration will commemorate a decade of academic excellence, institutional growth, innovation, research, industry engagement and societal impact, while setting the course for the Institutes next decade of development, it was announced during a press conference by Director, IIM Jammu, Prof B S Sahay here. Prof Shakti Kumar Gupta, honorary distinguished Professor; Prof Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research; Prof Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics and Prof (Dr) Lt Gen (retired) Sunil Kant, chairperson, MBA (Healthcare), IIM Jammu and Shailesh K Lohiya, Librarian, IIM Jammu accompanied Prof Sahay during the presser. Reflecting on the Institutes remarkable journey since its establishment in 2016, the speakers outlined its aspirations and priorities for the years ahead. They asserted that looking towards the next decade, IIM Jammu aimed to further strengthen its position as a leading B-school globally, with greater emphasis on research excellence, innovation, technology-enabled learning, industry and international collaborations, interdisciplinary education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and impactful engagement with society. Prof Sahay said that the Institutes first decade was marked by rapid institutional development and a clear transition from an emerging management institute to an institution with a growing national and international presence. He highlighted the Institutes achievements in academic expansion, research, executive education, entrepreneurship, innovation, industry engagement and international collaboration, while noting that the establishment of multiple Centres of Excellence further strengthened IIM Jammus ability to address contemporary economic and societal challenges. He further noted that IIM Jammus achievement of BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation for its MBA programme represented an important milestone in the Institutes pursuit of global standards and continuous quality enhancement. Prof Sahay also highlighted IIM Jammus growing visibility in national rankings, with the Institute securing 35th position in NIRF 2025, 25th in Business Today, 20th in BusinessWorld, 13th in India Today and 19th in the IIRF Rankings 2026. He mentioned that the Institutes ten-year journey reflected a sustained commitment to building an institution that combines academic rigour, research excellence, innovation and societal relevance. He added that the next decade would focus on taking IIM Jammu from growth to greater impact by strengthening high-quality research, innovation and entrepreneurship, expanding global engagement, deepening industry partnerships and developing responsible, future-ready leaders who can contribute meaningfully to Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. Prof Shakti Kumar Gupta said, Jammu holds a unique distinction of having three premier Institutes of national importance, IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu and AIIMS Jammu within the same region. He emphasised the importance of synergy and collaboration among these institutions, stating that we cannot work in silos. He highlighted that the Institute developed a vibrant and robust ecosystem of education, research, leadership development, and societal impact. He expressed confidence that in the years ahead, IIM Jammu would continue to scale new heights and make an even greater contribution to nation-building, management education and societal development. Prof Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, also highlighted the Institutes growing research ecosystem and its commitment to creating knowledge that makes a meaningful difference to industry, government and society. He highlighted the strong progress made over the past decade, with greater focus on quality research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging economic, technological and societal challenges. Prof Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, highlighted the Institutes commitment to building a future-ready, diversified and industry-aligned academic ecosystem. Over the past decade, IIM Jammu has expanded its academic portfolio across management, healthcare, technology, AI, Business Analytics and doctoral programmes, with strong emphasis on experiential learning, interdisciplinary education, technology-enabled pedagogy and industry exposure. Prof (Dr) Lt Gen (retired) Sunil Kant appreciated the Institutes remarkable decadal journey and its growing contribution to management education. He also emphasised the importance of the MBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management programme in developing skilled professionals and future leaders for Indias rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Shailesh K Lohiya, Librarian, IIM Jammu too reflected on the Institutes remarkable decade-long journey. It was stated that the inaugural ceremony will have Sriram Dandekar, former Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu as prominent speaker and the presidential address by Padma Shri Dr Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu. The inaugural session will feature keynote addresses by Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner, Advent International and Anand Kripalu, Operating Partner, Kedaara Capital and Member, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu. Day long celebrations will have a high-level Board of Governors panel discussion on Charting the Next Decade for IIM Jammu and leadership panels examining Impact of AI on Business, Economy and Job Market, Impact of AI on Management Education, The valedictory programme will feature the presidential address by Padma Shri Dr Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu and a keynote address by Raj Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), UT of J&K and Ladakh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament will be the guest of honour in the valedictory ceremony where distinguished service awards will also be presented. The valedictory address will be delivered by the chief guest Kavinder Gupta, Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Colours of Jammu and Kashmir, a special cultural presentation by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur will showcase the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir in the evening.
Imran Khan moved to Islamabad hospital on Supreme Court order for medical tests
Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was moved to a private hospital in Islamabad early Friday for medical tests after the Supreme Court ordered his hospitalisation, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said. Khan, 73, was taken to Shifa International Hospital, where hundreds of police personnel were deployed and roads leading to the facility were cordoned off. Its confirmed that he has arrived at Shifa International Hospital, PTI spokesman Zulfi Bukhari told AFP, adding that the Supreme Courts order had been complied with. Former Pakistan president and PTI member Arif Alvi also confirmed Khans transfer, saying the country was happy and dancing with joy. The development came after Khans lawyers approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the former premier was in poor health and required a medical examination. A three-member bench on Tuesday directed authorities to shift him to a hospital within two days. The court also ordered that Khan be allowed to meet his family once a week and speak to his sons by telephone twice a week. It further directed that a panel of medical specialists be constituted for his treatment and allowed Khans sister, Dr Uzma Khan, to participate in his medical care. Dozens of Khans supporters gathered outside the hospital following news of his transfer. Some supporters showered flower petals on passing vehicles as police maintained a heavy presence around the facility. Khan has been in prison since 2023 and maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated. He and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced late last year to 17 years in prison in a corruption case. Earlier this year, Khan underwent eye treatment at a hospital, with his family saying he had lost most of the vision in his right eye. The former cricket captain served as Pakistans prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed through a no-confidence vote. His arrest in May 2023 triggered widespread protests across the country.
India, Japan deepen defence cooperation, sign maritime security pact
India and Japan on Thursday agreed to deepen defence and maritime security cooperation, including greater information sharing, joint exercises, logistics support and collaboration in defence shipbuilding and technology. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi. The two ministers signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation, providing a framework for enhanced cooperation between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Under the agreement, the two sides will strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness, information sharing, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. They will also promote naval ship visits, joint exercises, personnel exchanges and logistical support, including access to ports and repair facilities. The ministers opposed unilateral actions that threaten freedom of navigation and overflight and any attempt to alter the status quo through force or coercion, reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. India and Japan also agreed to explore cooperation in mine countermeasures, naval shipbuilding and design, while leveraging Japans technological expertise and Indias production capabilities under the Make in India framework. Discussions will also continue on reciprocal access to ship-repair facilities. The two sides welcomed progress in joint military exercises, including Dharma Guardian and JAIMEX, and preparations for Veer Guardian 26, the India-Japan air exercise in which Japanese fighter aircraft will participate in India for the first time. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation between special operations forces, defence research agencies and defence industries. A Defence Industry Forum will be convened, while DRDO and Japans ATLA will deepen cooperation in advanced defence technologies. The ministers further agreed to establish a working group at the Director-General/Joint Secretary level to coordinate cooperation across operational, intelligence, equipment, technology and defence industry domains. India and Japan also decided to accelerate preparations for the fourth 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting, expected to be held in Tokyo this year. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation and contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Amit Shah calls for dialogue to resolve southern states water disputes
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday called for an early resolution of long-pending water disputes among southern states, saying water was central to the regions agriculture, industry, environment and public health. Addressing the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram, Amit Shah said South India had emerged as a major contributor to the countrys growth, particularly in IT, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, research and development, space and agriculture. He said the regions development had been driven by three major strengths: high literacy, skilled manpower and technical expertise in utilising its deep-sea resources. He also urged the rest of the country to learn from the southern states in the areas of innovation and revenue generation. Amit Shah said the southern states were the main pillars of Indias progress and that their future development depended heavily on the availability and management of water resources. He urged the states to resolve pending disputes through mutual dialogue and constructive solutions. The meeting agreed to work towards the early settlement of water-related issues through joint consultations involving the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Inter-State Council and the concerned state governments. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also agreed to resolve outstanding issues relating to the division of assets and liabilities in consultation with the Home Ministry. Advocating the linking of major rivers, from the Brahmaputra to the Cauvery and Godavari, Amit Shah said such a network could help ensure that India did not face water shortages for the next 100 years. It could also facilitate the development of waterways, reduce fuel consumption and provide a more economical mode of transportation, he said. Shah highlighted the growing role of the Zonal Councils in resolving inter-state issues. He said that since 2014, 70 meetings had been held and 1,445 of the 1,869 issues taken uparound 80 per centhad been resolved. Several disputes that had remained pending for decades had also been settled through the councils, he said. The Home Minister also called on chief ministers to give priority to the speedy investigation of crimes against women and children and the early disposal of rape and POCSO cases through Fast Track Special Courts. He said the new criminal laws had provided additional tools to accelerate the criminal justice process. Amit Shah stressed the need for greater efforts to tackle malnutrition, stunting and school dropouts. He said the national school dropout rate of 9.5 per cent should be brought below 3 per cent, arguing that an educated and healthy population was essential for Indias future. He also called for coordinated action by the Centre and states against drug abuse, saying the Ministry of Home Affairs had prepared a three-year roadmap involving various Central and state departments. Until all departments joined the campaign, the country would not be able to protect the coming generation from the menace of drugs, he said.
J&K Junior Boys Football Team leaves for Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy
The J&K junior boys football team Thursday departed to represent the Union Territory at the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy 2026-27, with the young players set to compete against some of the countrys top emerging football talent. Issuing a statement, it said that months of preparation, countless training sessions and unwavering commitment have led to this moment. Now, it is time for our young footballers to test themselves against some of the countrys best emerging talent. With every tackle, every pass and every goal, they will carry the J&K colours with pride, discipline and determination. J&K Sports Council wishes our boys a successful campaign ahead, the statement added.
IFC Kashmir, Galaxy FC settle for draw in Srinagar Premier League
IFC Kashmir and Galaxy FC shared the points after playing out a competitive 11 draw in the latest encounter of the Srinagar Premier League 2026 at the TRC Turf, Srinagar, on Thursday. Both teams produced a determined performance in a closely fought contest, with neither side able to find the decisive goal despite a strong second-half effort. The match as per a DFA statement, began at an energetic pace, with both IFC Kashmir and Galaxy FC showing attacking intent from the opening minutes. The two sides looked to establish control in midfield and create opportunities through quick passing and forward movement. With valuable league points at stake, the players from both teams displayed intensity and commitment in every challenge. IFC Kashmir looked composed in possession during the early stages and attempted to build attacks from the back. Galaxy FC, however, maintained a disciplined shape and were quick to respond whenever they won possession. The opening exchanges remained balanced, with both teams testing each others defensive organisation. The pressure eventually resulted in the opening goal as IFC Kashmir managed to break the deadlock. The goal gave the side an important boost and forced Galaxy FC to increase their attacking efforts. Rather than allowing the early setback to affect their rhythm, Galaxy FC responded with greater urgency and began pushing higher up the pitch. Their efforts soon paid off as Galaxy FC found the equaliser, bringing the score level at 11. The goal changed the momentum of the contest, with both sides becoming even more determined to take the lead before the interval. The remainder of the first half witnessed an intense battle in midfield. Players from both teams competed strongly for possession, while the defensive units remained alert to prevent further damage. Neither side was able to add another goal before the break, and the teams went into half-time with the score tied at 11. The second half began with both teams knowing that a single goal could potentially decide the outcome. IFC Kashmir looked to regain their early momentum, while Galaxy FC continued to search for openings in the attacking third. The game remained open, with both sides attempting to transition quickly from defence into attack. As the second half progressed, the intensity increased. IFC Kashmir created opportunities through attacking movements and attempted to put pressure on the Galaxy FC defence. Galaxy FC also responded with dangerous forward play, looking to exploit spaces and create a chance that could give them the lead. The defensive departments of both teams, however, remained strong. Clearances, interceptions and well-timed challenges prevented either side from finding the breakthrough. The goalkeepers were also called upon to remain focused as the match entered its decisive stages. With the final whistle approaching, both teams continued to push forward. The possibility of a late winner kept the contest exciting, as players committed themselves fully in search of the three points. Despite the attacking efforts from both sides, the decisive goal remained elusive. The final stages saw a determined display from both teams, but neither IFC Kashmir nor Galaxy FC could find a way through. After 90 minutes of competitive football, the referee brought the match to an end with the score still 11. The result means both teams walk away with a point from an encounter that could easily have gone either way. IFC Kashmir will take positives from their overall performance and attacking approach, while Galaxy FC can be pleased with the way they responded after conceding the opening goal. For both teams, the draw also highlights the competitive nature of the Srinagar Premier League. Matches at this stage of the competition carry significant importance, and the ability to remain organised and composed throughout 90 minutes can prove crucial as the league progresses. The encounter at TRC Turf once again provided supporters with an engaging evening of football. From the opening exchanges to the final whistle, both IFC Kashmir and Galaxy FC demonstrated determination, discipline and a willingness to fight for every ball. While neither side managed to claim maximum points, the 11 result reflects the closely matched nature of the contest. Both teams will now turn their attention towards their upcoming fixtures, where they will look to build on this performance and secure victories. The Srinagar Premier League continues to provide a strong platform for competitive football in the region, bringing together teams eager to make their mark and compete at a high level. The latest meeting between IFC Kashmir and Galaxy FC added another entertaining chapter to the ongoing competition. With the league campaign continuing, both sides will have opportunities to improve their standings and strengthen their performances in the matches ahead. IFC Kashmir and Galaxy FC will now look to carry the positives from Thursdays encounter into their next games.
CEMTAC Cements felicitates MMA fighter Owais Yaqoob after international victory
CEMTAC Cements felicitated its brand ambassador and MMA athlete Owais Yaqoob for his recent international victory in Bulgaria at a special felicitation ceremony held at Golden Tulip, Srinagar. The event, ass per a statement, was attended by CEMTACs leading distributors and retailers, along with members of the companys team. The gathering celebrated Owais achievement and highlighted the importance of supporting young sporting talent from J&K. As part of its support for Owais sporting journey, CEMTAC presented a contribution of Rs 50,000 to Team Owais Yaqoob, the MMA training academy where young boys are trained and prepared for competitive MMA. Speaking on the occasion, Owais Yaqoob expressed his gratitude to CEMTAC for its continued support and association. He said that he was thankful and grateful to CEMTAC for believing in him and supporting his journey. Owais also highlighted the importance of corporate support for young athletes, saying that corporates need to step up, support young talent and back them, as this is the only way to create the opportunities required for athletes from the region to reach the international level and compete on bigger platforms. Speaking at the event, CEMTAC Managing Director Riaz Ahmad said that the company remains committed to supporting young talent across different fields, including sports and education. Talent in Kashmir is immense, but talent alone is not enough. Young people need opportunities, encouragement and people who are willing to stand behind them. As a company rooted in this region, we believe it is our responsibility to contribute wherever we can, he said. Riaz Ahmad congratulated Owais on his victory and commended his journey, discipline and perseverance. He said Owais achievement demonstrates what young people from the region can accomplish when they are given the right platform, support and encouragement. He added that CEMTACs association with Owais goes beyond a conventional brand partnership, with the company seeking to support the values of discipline, determination and excellence that Owais represents. The Managing Director further said that CEMTAC intends to continue identifying and supporting promising young talent and contributing towards creating greater opportunities for them to pursue their ambitions. The felicitation ceremony also provided an opportunity for CEMTACs distributors and retailers to come together and celebrate the achievement of the companys brand ambassador. The event concluded with felicitations and interaction with Owais, followed by dinner and networking among the guests.
MLA Salman Sagar lays foundation stone for playfield in Dara
MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar, on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a much-awaited playfield at Dara, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local residents, particularly the youth. Speaking on the occasion, Salman Sagar, as per a statement, said the playfield will provide youngsters with a dedicated space for sports, recreation and nurturing their talent. He said the project was among his poll commitments and expressed satisfaction that the promise is now being fulfilled. He thanked the locals for their appreciation and assured them of continued efforts to address developmental needs of the area.
J&K launches online DPC portal to fast-track Government promotions
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the functioning and performance of the Administrative Reforms, Inspections (ARI) & Trainings Department, with a focus on key governance and administrative reform initiatives, including finalisation of Recruitment Rules, cadre restructuring, resolution of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) issues, and operational efficiency of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) and Government Press. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, ARI & Trainings Department; Chairperson, J&K BOPEE; General Manager, Government Press; and other senior officers. Issuing directions for expediting the ongoing reforms, the Chief Secretary called for smooth and time-bound operationalisation of the online DPC Portal, besides ensuring swift completion of Recruitment Rules for all departments and their respective services. He stressed that the digital mechanisms should translate into tangible improvements in administrative efficiency and timely disposal of service-related matters. The Chief Secretary further directed that a comprehensive mechanism be devised to ensure filling up of all available seats/vacancies in professional courses through BOPEE, with the objective of achieving optimum utilisation of the infrastructure, faculty and other resources available in institutions of higher learning across the Union Territory. The Chief Secretary thereafter took a detailed live demonstration of the DPC Portals end-to-end workflow. Developed through BISAG-N under the supervision of the ARI & Trainings Department, the portal is designed to fully digitise and streamline the process of holding DPCs across the Union Territory, thereby reducing procedural delays and ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in processing promotion cases. During the demonstration, the Chief Secretary reviewed the portals multi-tiered workflow, under which cases move seamlessly through designated administrative levels of Maker, Checker and Approver. He emphasised that the digital platform should help eliminate administrative bottlenecks and facilitate the time-bound conduct of DPCs. The portal has now been formally handed over to the General Administration Department (GAD), which will function as the Super Admin and issue necessary circular instructions for its immediate adoption and onboarding of all Government departments. The meeting was also apprised of the Online Portal for Processing Recruitment Rules, developed in collaboration with BISAG-N. The portal has successfully cleared its security audit through the Information Technology Department, incorporates active SMS alerts, is hosted at the State Data Centre and is being integrated with the e-Office system. Commissioner Secretary, ARI & Trainings, Shabnam Kamili, apprised the meeting of the ongoing modernisation of service guidelines. She informed that the Standing Committee has held 61 meetings since January 2024 and has cleared Recruitment Rules for 36 services, while another 13 services have been cleared through Executive Orders. Preliminary meetings have also been concluded for 88 additional services. On human resource optimisation, the Commissioner Secretary stated that a structured calendar is being devised for reviewing individual departments with a view to undertaking budget-neutral cadre restructuring and resolving MTS-related issues in consultation with the concerned line departments. The meeting was further informed that the Union Territorys progress under the national iGOT Karmayogi platform has received appreciation from the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India. The ARI & Trainings Department has successfully onboarded participants and trained 222 officers and officials through five intensive one-day Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram batches conducted by certified State Master Trainers. Reviewing the functioning of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE), the meeting was informed that the Board has transitioned completely to digital operations, with all counselling rounds for the 2026-27 session being conducted through the online e-Counselling platform. An advance examination calendar has also been issued, while examination centres are being expanded beyond Jammu and Srinagar to facilitate students from rural and remote areas. The meeting also reviewed intake trends across various professional courses and noted high seat occupancy in streams including M.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing and CET Engineering. It was observed that the Higher Education Department may engage with AICTE for suitable modifications in course streams in line with emerging market requirements, enabling BOPEE to conduct additional counselling rounds wherever necessary. Taking stock of the functioning of the Government Presses, the meeting was informed that 751 out of 1,146 printing jobs received65.53 per centhave already been executed by the Srinagar and Jammu presses. The two presses have generated combined revenue of Rs 500.78 lakh against a target of Rs 1,300 lakh for the financial year 2026-27. The meeting also deliberated upon several pending administrative matters, including the proposed constitution of the J&K Administrative Reforms Commission, delegation of powers to the Director, Press; recovery of Rs 12.50 crore in outstanding printing charges from various departments; and the possibility of outsourcing heavy printing workloads to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Government Press.
Jio to continue Rs 299 tariff plan for all users
Reliance Jio has announced that its current industry-leading tariff plans, including the Rs 299 plan, will continue to remain available to all users, while introducing a new Jio Prime membership that offers customers additional price certainty for eligible plans. Under the new programme, customers opting for Jio Prime can continue recharging with their preferred eligible plans at current prices until September 5, 2027, irrespective of any tariff revisions during the price-guarantee period. The membership, priced at a one-time fee of Rs 300, is available to existing Jio prepaid and postpaid customers. Users of other telecom networks can also enrol by porting their numbers to Jio or taking a new Jio connection. Jio Prime members will also receive cashback vouchers worth Rs 600. This includes a Rs 300 voucher redeemable against a new JioHome or JioPC connection and another Rs 300 voucher for adding a new Jio SIM connection for a friend or family member. The programme will additionally provide members with early access to new Jio products, services and trials, along with priority customer support through a dedicated service channel. Jio said further member-exclusive benefits may also be announced during the membership period. The membership can be purchased through the MyJio app, Jio.com, Jio Stores and authorised Jio partner stores. Originally launched as a programme of appreciation for Jios first 100 million customers, Jio Prime has now been reintroduced for the companys wider customer base of more than 500 million users. Jio said the revamped programme is aimed at providing customers greater certainty over their future mobile recharge costs while giving them access to additional services and privileges.
TSF Shoes hosts distributor meet in Srinagar, unveils new footwear range
TSF Shoes organised a distributor meet at Hotel Golden Forest, Rajbagh, Srinagar, bringing together leading dealers and retail partners from across Jammu and Kashmir. The event featured the launch of TSFs new range of casual leather shoes, along with injection-moulded comfort footwear incorporating the latest technology. The company also showcased its tactical and safety footwear range, which received an encouraging response from distributors. Participants appreciated the quality and pricing of the products, as well as the companys focus on after-sales support. The meet also generated enthusiasm among trade partners ahead of the new season. Speaking on the occasion, Arun Sharma, Sales and Marketing Head, TSF, said the response from distributors in Srinagar had been encouraging. The response from our Srinagar partners has been outstanding. With products such as injection-moulded boots, TSF remains committed to delivering quality footwear that professionals can trust, he said. TSF Shoes expressed gratitude to its distributors for their continued support and reiterated its commitment to expanding its presence in the J&K market. Srinagar distributors associated with the meet included Oriental Shoes Company and Lucky Traders Company.
Florida Atlantic University gets $600,379 grant for algal bloom solution
J&K Bank signs Corporate Salary Package MoU with GK Communications Private Limited
J&K Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GK Communications Private Limited under its Corporate Salary Package, extending customised banking benefits to 119 employees of the media group. The agreement was signed by Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar on behalf of J&K Bank and Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo for GK Communications Private Limited in the presence of Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (SSI Srinagar) Ubaid Ashraf and other senior officials from both organisations. Speaking after the formal signing of the agreement, Zonal Head Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar said, This MoU reflects our continued endeavour to strengthen our longstanding institutional relationship with GK Communications Private Limited while providing its employees convenient access to a range of customised banking benefits under the Banks Corporate Salary Package. On the occasion, the Cluster Head gave a detailed overview of features covered under the Corporate Salary Package.
J&Ks stock market investor base crosses 14 lakh, grows 19.3% in a year
Jammu and Kashmirs registered investor base in the stock market has crossed the 14-lakh mark, with the number of registered clients reaching 14,12,378 as of August 20, 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 19.31 per cent, according to official BSE data accessed by Greater Kashmir . The figures show that J&K added 2,28,554 registered clients, or roughly 2.29 lakh investors, during the past year. This represents a substantially faster expansion than the overall growth in the countrys registered investor base, which stood at 15.80 per cent during the same period. The BSE data provides a snapshot of the changing geography of stock-market participation in India, with the countrys total registered investor base now standing at 26,03,00,179, or approximately 26.03 crore clients. J&Ks 14.12 lakh registered clients account for around 0.54 per cent of the countrys total registered investor base. While the Union Territory remains a relatively small market in terms of absolute investor numbers, the pace at which its investor base is expanding has been considerably stronger than several of the countrys largest States. The increase has also been consistent across different time periods. During the latest month, J&K added 19,478 clients, equivalent to around 19,500 new registered investors, pushing its monthly growth rate to 1.40 per cent. Over the previous three months, the number of registered clients increased by 52,618, or about 52,600 investors, representing a quarterly growth of 3.87 per cent. The national investor base, by comparison, increased by around 30.92 lakh during the latest month. Over the previous quarter, the country added approximately 85.16 lakh. Over the previous year, the national registered investor base increased by around 3.55 crore investors, taking the total to more than 26 crore. The comparison shows that J&Ks investor base is growing at a faster rate than the national average, although the absolute numbers remain much smaller. Maharashtra continues to have the largest registered investor base in the country by a considerable margin. The State has approximately 4.42 crore investors. This means that nearly one out of every six registered clients in the BSE database is registered in Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh occupies the second position with 3,06,10,880 clients, or around 3.06 crore. Gujarat follows with 2,29,70,136, equivalent to about 2.30 crore registered clients. Rajasthan has 1,56,49,037, or around 1.56 crore, while West Bengal has 1,52,56,657, or about 1.53 crore. Karnataka has 1,39,43,659 registered clients, translating into roughly 1.39 crore, while Madhya Pradesh has 1,35,11,046, or around 1.35 crore. Tamil Nadu has 1,31,27,709, or approximately 1.31 crore registered investors. The other major States also have sizeable investor bases. Haryana has 85,72,167 registered clients, equivalent to around 85.7 lakh. Telangana has 80,08,260, or about 80.1 lakh. Punjab has 65,65,556, or approximately 65.7 lakh, while Odisha has 59,30,947, or about 59.3 lakh. Kerala has 59,17,495 registered clients, translating into around 59.2 lakh, while Assam has 53,02,132, or about 53 lakh. Jharkhand has 46,39,195, equivalent to approximately 46.4 lakh. Andhra Pradesh has crossed the one-crore mark, with 1,04,00,527 registered clients, while Bihar has 1,16,04,608, or around 1.16 crore. Delhi has 1,10,14,984, equivalent to approximately 1.10 crore registered clients. Against this national landscape, J&Ks 14.12 lakh investor base is larger than that of several smaller States and Union Territories but remains far below the investor populations of the countrys principal financial and industrial centres. For instance, Himachal Pradesh has around 15.58 lakh registered clients, only marginally above J&K. J&K has more registered clients than Manipur, which has around 2.74 lakh, Meghalaya with 1.65 lakh, Arunachal Pradesh with 1.22 lakh, Nagaland with 1.28 lakh, Sikkim with 84,221, Mizoram with 59,779, Goa with 4.99 lakh and Tripura with 4.28 lakh. Among the Union Territories, Ladakh has 5,213 registered clients, or just over 5,000, but has recorded one of the fastest rates of growth in the country. Its investor base increased by 44.44 per cent over the previous year. This is the highest annual growth rate visible in the BSE table. Mizoram recorded annual growth of 33.18 per cent, while Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh recorded 28.01 per cent and 27.33 per cent, respectively. Lakshadweep, with just over 5,000 registered clients, recorded growth of 27.87 per cent. Among larger States, J&Ks 19.31 per cent annual growth puts it in a relatively strong position. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana each recorded 19.59 per cent growth, while Tamil Nadu recorded 19.46 per cent growth. Uttar Pradesh recorded 19.08 per cent. J&Ks growth was considerably higher than Maharashtras 11.39 per cent, Gujarats 13.13 per cent, Haryanas 14.42 per cent, Punjabs 14.96 per cent, Rajasthans 15.71 per cent, Karnatakas 16.51 per cent and Keralas 16.95 per cent. The figures also indicate that the expansion in J&K has been relatively steady rather than being confined to a single period. Its monthly increase of 1.40 per cent was higher than the national monthly growth of 1.20 per cent, while its quarterly increase of 3.87 per cent was also above the national growth rate of 3.38 per cent. In absolute terms, however, the difference between the largest and smallest investor markets remains enormous. Maharashtras 4.42 crore registered clients are more than 31 times J&Ks 14.12 lakh. Uttar Pradeshs 3.06 crore investor base is more than 21 times that of J&K, while Gujarats 2.30 crore is more than 16 times larger. The national figures also underline the rapid broadening of participation in the equity market. The BSE database now contains more than 26 crore registered clients, with the number having increased by around 3.55 crore in just one year. J&Ks addition of around 2.29 lakh registered clients during the same period is small when measured against the national increase, but significant for the Union Territorys own investor base. In percentage terms, the addition represents nearly one-fifth growth in a single year.
KU's EMMRC begins two-day orientation programme on MOOCs
The Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC), University of Kashmir (KU), commenced a two-day orientation programme on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) at the Main Campus, aimed at familiarising academics with digital learning platforms and encouraging greater integration, visibility and enrollment of MOOCs in higher education. Titled Promoting MOOCs in Higher Education: Integration, Visibility and Enrollment, the programme brought together faculty members from universities and colleges across Kashmir. It seeks to strengthen the capacity of teachers to develop and engage with digital learning resources and platforms, while promoting wider access to quality education beyond conventional classroom spaces. In her message Vice Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, emphasised the importance of embracing digital transformation in higher education and highlighted the role of MOOCs in expanding access to quality learning and strengthening the academic ecosystem. MOOCs have emerged as an important instrument for widening access to quality education and connecting learners with knowledge beyond geographical and institutional boundaries. As higher education continues to evolve with technology and AI, it is important that our teachers and institutions remain prepared to embrace these changes and make meaningful use of digital platforms, she said. Speaking on the inaugural session, Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, stressed on the need for academic institutions to focus on developing human resources capable of competing at the international level. Initiatives like MOOCs provide us an opportunity to take education to everyone. It provides us an opportunity to build human resources that are digitally equipped, globally competitive and prepared for the changing demands of education, he said. In his remarks Registrar, KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, highlighted the valuable role of EMMRC in strengthening digital education at the University and encouraged faculty members to make greater use of the Centres expertise and resources. Speaking on the occasion Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Wilayat Hussain Razvi, highlighted the digital education initiatives of the Ministry of Education and the changing role of teachers in the digital learning landscape. Senior Producer, EMMRC KU, Shafqut Habib, shared his experiences in MOOC production and highlighted the Centres contribution to digital learning initiatives. Earlier Director, EMMRC, KU, Prof. Syeda Afshana, in her welcome address, emphasised the importance of taking education beyond conventional classroom spaces and described the programme as a beginning towards greater academic interaction and collaboration. Prof Afshana, who recently took over the role of the Director EMMRC KU, stressed on the importance of human resource management in the contemporary times. There is now new technology, challenges, opportunities, and AI. However, we must remember that the most valuable is our human resource, and we must know how to nurture and manage it effectively, she said. The two-day programme features ten technical sessions led by resource persons from within and outside EMMRC, covering diverse aspects of digital learning, MOOC development, integration, visibility and outreach.
CM Omar Abdullah lays foundation of modern mechanised abattoir in Srinagar
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for the ` 25.87 crore state-of-the-art mechanized Abattoir here at Allochi Bagh, marking a significant step towards establishing a regulated, hygienic and scientifically managed meat-processing facility for Srinagar city. The construction of modern mechanized Sheep & Goat Abattoir in Srinagar City, includes Testing & Commissioning on EPC Mode under CAPEX/SASCI. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the modern abattoir would mark an important step towards bringing Srinagars meat-processing infrastructure in line with contemporary standards. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, MLA, Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Fazl ul Haseeb and other concerned officers were present on the occasion. The proposed abattoir will have a processing capacity of approximately 5,000 sheep and goats per day, making it one of the largest dedicated mechanised sheep and goat abattoirs in the country. The facility will incorporate modern mechanized systems covering slaughtering, carcass handling, processing, chilling, cold storage, sanitation, by-product management and other allied operations. Commissioner SMC briefed the Chief Minister that the project is aimed at substantially improving meat hygiene and food safety, ensuring safer working conditions, strengthening veterinary and quality-control mechanisms and establishing a regulated, efficient and scientifically managed slaughtering system for Srinagar city. A key feature of the project is its emphasis on environmental safeguards and scientific waste management. The facility will incorporate a bio-digestion system and an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to scientifically treat organic waste and wastewater generated during operations. These systems will help reduce the organic pollution load, control foul odour, facilitate resource recovery and enable reuse of treated water for suitable non-potable purposes. The project, once completed, is envisaged as a state-of-the-art mechanized abattoir and a significant urban infrastructure initiative for Srinagar, bringing modern standards of hygiene, food safety, animal handling, waste management and environmental protection to the citys meat-processing sector.
JKSA urges CM Omar for restoring Sainik School Manasbals academic, institutional excellence
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Thursday has written to Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, seeking his urgent intervention into the prolonged administrative, academic and institutional challenges facing Sainik School Manasbal, one of Jammu & Kashmirs historic and prestigious residential educational institutions. In its letter, the Association said that Sainik School Manasbal was established with a distinctive vision of nurturing discipline, leadership, character, academic excellence, physical fitness, team spirit and a spirit of service to the nation, and has played an important role in the regions educational legacy. The Association expressed particular concern over the reported absence of a permanent Principal for nearly five years, stating that the continued practice of assigning the Principals charge as an additional responsibility to officers holding other administrative positions is not conducive to the effective functioning of a specialised residential institution. At present, the Principals charge is reportedly being held by the Chief Education Officer, Kupwara. National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami said a residential school of this nature requires dedicated leadership that is physically available on campus to oversee academic affairs, discipline, student welfare, faculty coordination, hostel administration and day-to-day institutional functioning. He said the prolonged absence of a full-time Principal could affect academic planning, administrative decision-making, student welfare and institutional continuity. A prestigious residential institution of this nature cannot be expected to achieve its full potential when its principalship remains under prolonged additional-charge arrangements. Sainik School Manasbal requires stable, dedicated and accountable leadership capable of providing institutional direction and restoring confidence among students, parents, faculty and alumni, he said. The Association urged the Government to appoint a permanent Principal at the earliest, preferably a suitably qualified and experienced retired Army officer with appropriate educational and administrative credentials, considering the institutions specialised military ethos, residential environment and leadership-oriented educational model. However, JKSA said the issue of leadership should be addressed as part of a broader institutional review covering academic performance, faculty strength, student enrolment and retention, residential facilities, sports and physical training, medical and mess facilities, counselling, career guidance, and preparation for the National Defence Academy, civil services and other competitive examinations. Khuehami also flagged the reported decline in student enrolment, shortage of permanent faculty and falling CBSE performance, noting that the school currently has around 350 students against an intake capacity of approximately 480. It urged the Government to examine the reasons for student attrition, fill vacant teaching posts through regular recruitment and strengthen academic support, stressing that timely intervention is needed to address these structural concerns. The Association stressed the need to restore Sainik School Manasbal as a leading centre of academic excellence, discipline, leadership, physical fitness and national service, while also modernising its academic, residential and student-support systems. Sainik School Manasbal has served generations of students and remains an important part of Jammu & Kashmirs educational legacy. We must preserve its character, strengthen its academic foundations and modernise its institutional ecosystem. The present challenges should be treated as an opportunity to rebuild and improve the institution rather than allowing temporary administrative arrangements to become permanent features of its functioning, the Association said. Khuehami urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene and direct the concerned authorities to appoint a permanent Principal; provide the institution with dedicated leadership; fill vacant teaching positions through regular recruitment; examine the reasons for declining enrolment and student attrition; assess the reported decline in academic performance; strengthen student welfare and grievance-redressal mechanisms; and undertake a comprehensive institutional revival and modernisation exercise.
J&K Pensioners Welfare Federation, Senior Citizens Civil Society hold key meeting
A significant meeting of J&K pensioners welfare federation/senior citizens civil society was held in Srinagar under the Chairmanship of Lenin Sampat State President. The meeting was attended by the District Presidents Secretaries and members from across the Valley. The agenda of the meeting was presented by Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Bhat, State General Secretary. District Presidents and Senior Trade union leaders who actively participated and addressed the gathering included Nisar Ali Mir, Chief Patron, Haji Gh. Mohi ud din Wani district President Baramulla, Yayha Shafi, district President Ganderbal, Raja Majeed District President Anantnag, Gh. Hassan Malik District President Budgam, Aftab Ahmad Nehvi, Srinagar Gh. Nabi Bhat Khanyari Srinagarand Mir Mohd Shafi Kupwara. The speakers unanimously re-affirmed their complete commitment to the J&K pensioners welfare federation senior citizens under the leadership of Lenin Sampat. The key Demands raised are Issuance of Pensioners/Senior citizen Cards on the signatures of District Development commissioners of J&K UT . Enhancement of Medical allowance from Rs. 300 to Rs 1500 per month in favour of pensioners of J & K. The State President assured the gathering that their demands will be brought to higher authorities of J&K UT government. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by the State General Secretary.
Deputy CM, CMs Advisor discuss issues of artists, film fraternity
A delegation comprising senior cultural personality, Artist & Art Promoter Waheed Jeelani and Umar Imtiyaz, a well known actor and film maker Thursday called on Deputy Chief Minister Surender Choudhary and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani at their offices in the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. During the meetings, the delegation held detailed discussions on the present challenges confronting the artist, cultural and filmmaking fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir. The issues included the need for revival and strengthening of cultural institutions, greater opportunities and financial support for artists and filmmakers, regular cultural programming, fair representation of local talent, improved avenues for young artists and revival of institutions such as Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar and All India Radio Srinagar as effective platforms for local cultural expression, said a press release. The delegation also stressed the need for a clear and sustainable cultural policy, better coordination among concerned departments and greater institutional support for the preservation and promotion of Jammu and Kashmirs rich traditional, folk and contemporary artistic heritage. On the instructions of the Deputy Chief Minister and the Advisor, a follow-up meeting was subsequently held with the Principal Secretary, Culture, where the issues were discussed further and the need for concrete measures to address the concerns of the fraternity was emphasised. The delegation expressed hope that the concerns raised would receive due consideration and translate into meaningful initiatives for the welfare, dignity and sustainable growth of the artist and filmmaking community of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a major step towards improving electricity supply in the Banihal-Gool constituency, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen on Thursday inaugurated the augmented receiving station at Banihal constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.25 Cr under UT capex. The capacity of the receiving station has been enhanced from 6.3 MVA to 10.6 MVA. Shaheen said, The augmentation will provide much-needed additional capacity and help reduce the overloading of the station, particularly during the winter months when power demand increases considerably. He said that the focus was not limited to Banihal alone and that a broader plan was being implemented to strengthen the power network across the constituency. MLA Banihal informed that the receiving station at Sangaldan was already augmented from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA, while the augmentation of the Khari receiving station from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA was currently in progress and would be completed shortly. He further said that an additional 50 MVA transformer at Grid Station Tethar was also being installed shortly, which would further increase the capacity and reliability of the power supply network in the area. People have been facing the problem of overloaded receiving stations for a long time. We are working to address this issue in a systematic manner so that the power infrastructure keeps pace with the growing requirements of our people, Shaheen said. He said that new receiving stations at Chamalwas, Neel, Kaskoot and Kawna were also planned to strengthen the distribution network in these areas. The new infrastructure, he added, would particularly help in reducing power disruptions caused by the snapping of long transmission lines during heavy snowfall and harsh winter weather. Shaheen said the combined impact of these projects would significantly improve the power scenario across the Banihal-Gool constituency and provide people with a more stable and reliable electricity supply. The MLA expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his continued support to the development initiatives being undertaken in Banihal. He said that the Chief Ministers support had been instrumental in taking forward important infrastructure projects in the constituency.
Restoration of special status remains at top of NCs agenda: Dr Farooq Abdullah
National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the special constitutional status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir reflected its distinct and unique constitutional relationship with the Union, a legacy that remained central to the National Conferences political vision. Addressing a gathering, Dr Farooq said that even though the constitutional provisions relating to Jammu and Kashmir had been altered unilaterally, the National Conference would continue its struggle for its restoration. He said the issue remained at the top of the party's agenda and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had a right to raise their voice for restoration of their constitutional rights. He said that the National Conference had repeatedly stated, in its meetings, rallies and conventions, that the party would fulfil the promises it had made to the people. He reiterated that the party would never retreat from its position and would continue its political and constitutional struggle. Dr Farooq said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were facing numerous issues and difficulties and that the present circumstances required an elected government with a strong mandate. He said the government must have all the necessary powers to address people's problems effectively and ensure development and good governance. He said that political institutions must respect the aspirations of the people and that their voices should be heard. He also stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the rights of the people were protected. Dr Farooq said that society could progress only when all sections of society worked together. He called for greater attention to education, social welfare and the empowerment of young people, saying that the youth were an important part of the future of the region. He appealed to political workers and the public to remain united and work towards strengthening peace, social harmony and development. He said that the National Conference's struggle was not merely the responsibility of one individual or institution, but a collective responsibility of its leadership, workers and people.
CPCO Amit Sharma reviews preparedness in Doda
Doda, Aug 20: Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) & Director, Directorate of Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, visited Doda on Thursday and chaired a comprehensive review meeting on Census-2027 at Conference Hall, DC Office Complex Doda, to assess the preparedness and progress of Population Enumeration in the district. The meeting, as per a statement, was attended by Principal Census Officer (Deputy Commissioner) Doda Krishan Lal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (District Census Officer) Anil Kumar Thakur, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Additional District Census Officer Vijay Kumar, Charge Officers, field trainers, supervisors, enumerators and other officials associated with the Census-2027 exercise. During the meeting, CPCO Amit Sharma reviewed the overall progress of census preparations and emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, completeness and reliability during data collection. He directed enumerators and supervisors to ensure that every entry is correctly recorded, cross-checked and verified, stressing that accurate census data is vital for effective policy formulation, planning and delivery of public services. The CPCO called for intensified awareness and publicity campaigns through newspapers, pamphlets, social media, local influencers, social activities and other available communication platforms. He directed the District Census authorities to ensure that residents of snow-bound and difficult-to-reach areas are adequately informed about the Population Enumeration phase scheduled from September 1 to 30, 2026, so that complete coverage is achieved. Amit Sharma also directed Charge Officers and supervisors to undertake regular field visits, inspections and random quality checks. He stressed strict adherence to census guidelines and called for special attention towards migratory populations, tribal communities, forest areas and other special categories, ensuring that no eligible household or individual is left out of the enumeration process. The meeting also took up the technical challenges being faced by field functionaries. It was informed that mobile devices used for Population Enumeration are required to meet prescribed technical specifications, including minimum 8GB RAM and Android version above 13. The issue of enumerators and supervisors having devices below the required configuration was discussed for appropriate resolution. Principal Census Officer Doda Sh. Krishan Lal assured full administrative support for the smooth conduct of Census-2027. He directed all concerned officers to closely monitor field activities and ensure timely completion of all census-related work in accordance with the prescribed timelines, guidelines and instructions issued by the Directorate of Census Operations. Additional District Census Officer Vijay Kumar briefed the meeting on the district-wise preparations and progress. He apprised the CPCO about the Census-2027 schedule for J&K, including Phase-I and Phase-II, review of administrative units in District Doda, and the progress of House Listing Operations conducted from June 1 to 30, 2026. The meeting also reviewed charge-wise progress of HLO, the deployment of census functionaries, preparations for Population Enumeration, training of enumerators and supervisors, and identification of snow-bound villages and blocks. The CPCO directed field functionaries to closely monitor migration routes and ensure enumeration of all eligible tribal populations and other mobile communities. He reiterated that coordinated field-level efforts are essential to achieve comprehensive, accurate and error-free census data. The meeting also reviewed training programmes, awareness campaigns, supervision mechanisms, Self-Enumeration and field-level monitoring arrangements. Amit Sharma called for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to ensure that Census-2027 is conducted efficiently, transparently and with the highest degree of accuracy across District Doda.
Close synergy among stakeholders will address veterans challenges: Northern Army Commander
Jammu, Aug 20: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma has underscored the need for close synergy among all stakeholders to effectively address the challenges faced by the Veterans and to strengthen the overall welfare framework. Lt Gen Sharma, while addressing Synergy conference 3.0- veterans conclave, also reaffirmed Indian Armys unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of the veterans community. GOC-in-C Northern Command emphasised that the sacrifices, dedication and years of service rendered by military personnel must be acknowledged not only through words but also through meaningful and institutionalised welfare measures. Northern Command of the Indian Army organised this conclave at Udhampur the other day, in a hybrid mode, in a significant step towards strengthening welfare measures for veterans, Veer Naris and their dependents. Secretary Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), Ministry of Defence, Government of India Sukriti Likhi, too, through video conference attended the conference, conceptualized under the vision of the GOC-in-C, Northern Command. The meeting, according to PRO Defence Jammu, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, was attended by senior officers and representatives from various military formations and civil administration departments both at Centre and State. The meet addressed and focussed on three important pillars - Seva, Samman and Samriddhi (Service, Respect and Prosperity). The conference focussed on addressing procedural, institutional and administrative matters to streamline post-service support systems for the veteran community and also making them an integral part of nation building efforts, Lt Col Bartwal said. The conclave in a collaborative manner deliberated upon contemporary challenges affecting veterans, Veer Naris and their dependents. Key emphasis was laid on healthcare delivery, welfare schemes, upskilling, awareness, pension related matters, second career opportunities, institutional support and grievance redressal. Secretary ESW, Ministry of Defence appreciated the initiative of Northern Command and exhorted all stakeholders to work in a collaborative manner to ensure timely support to the veterans and their dependents. She also reiterated the support of the central government towards welfare and resettlement of veterans and their dependents in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
Jammu, Aug 20: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited Karol Krishna, a border village in Kathua district. The village along with Rathua, Gujjar Chak, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala comes under the Vibrant Village Programme-Phase-2 (VVP-2). The Lieutenant Governor handed over benefits under several government schemes to local families and appointment letters to youth. Addressing the residents from 6 strategic villages under VVP-2, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, emphasised that border villages are not Indias last villages, but its first villages, the frontline of the nations identity and development. He noted that for decades, the word border carried a sense of distance and these villages were far from the priorities of governance. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, border villages have been brought into the mainstream of development. When the story of Indias development is written, its first chapter should begin in villages like Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala and Gujjar Chak, where Indias border breathes and the tricolour flutters, he said. Highlighting progress since 2019, the Lieutenant Governor stated that all 216 border villages of Kathua district are now connected by road, with full electrification achieved. Telecommunication and television access, once limited, now reach every household. These figures are not just numbers and reports but they represent real change in your lives, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor shared data highlighting that poverty levels have declined sharply, migration to cities has halved, and rural incomes have risen by 30%. Employment opportunities have expanded, with unemployment reduced to nearly half of earlier levels. More than 2,000 individual and community bunkers have been constructed for the safety of border families. Our goal should be that the entire population moves above the poverty line, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also commended the role of Nari Shakti in transforming border economies. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, over 1,300 self-help groups have been formed, benefiting more than 12,000 families. Women are engaged in tailoring, embroidery, crafts, and small enterprises, strengthening both household and village economies. The Lieutenant Governor also urged the young generation of border villages to dream as big as those in metro cities. He noted that government schools now have improved facilities, digital classrooms, vocational training and full academic sessions. This is not a minor change but it is a generational transformation, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key resolves for the development of border villages- Self-reliance by Connecting villages not just to roads but to markets, promoting horticulture and dairy cooperatives. Youth empowerment by creating opportunities in agriculture, tourism, defence-support services, and crafts. Improved health facilities by strengthening healthcare and tele-medicine connectivity, and the fourth resolve is robust security infrastructure by enhancing coordination between civil administration and armed forces. Development and security are not separate goals but they are two pillars of the same goal. Only a secure village can become a prosperous village, and only prosperous villages can build a self-reliant and developed India, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth and families of Karol Krishna and neighbouring villages to take responsibility for shaping their future. I want to tell the youth of Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala and Gujjar Chak that your ancestors held this soil through difficulties for many decades after Independence. Now it is your responsibility to take it forward. Today, resources are in your hands, and if there is any shortfall anywhere, I promise it will be addressed immediately. Today the big question is - taking this opportunity, how far will you take your village? Will Karol Krishna be known only as a border village, or as a border village that produces the countrys finest youth? That decision is now the youth's responsibility. I also want to assure all families in border villages that we will ensure that the light of development reaches every home. The Vibrant Villages Programme is a national resolve, and from now on we will not let border villages remain behind. You are Indias first name. You are not the periphery of the country but you are the front line. You are the place from where India becomes visible. And as long as our soldier stands on the border, and behind him the border villages stand firm, India is firm. India is invincible. India is immortal, the Lieutenant Governor said. Addressing the demands, the Lieutenant Governor assured Kathua residents that prompt action will be taken to resolve their issues. During his visit to the Karol Krishna Border Out Post (BOP), the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the Jawans and commended their steadfast commitment to securing the nation's borders and their exceptional service during Operation Sindoor. He emphasized the need for continuous vigilance to disrupt and neutralize any hostile attempts by the enemy. Advocate Vijay Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Hiranagar; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Bhim Sen Tuti; IGP Jammu; Asif Jalal, IG BSF; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Mohammad Aijaz , Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; senior officials and people from different walks of life were present.
No funds, no water: Delina JJM scheme waits for completion
Years after its inception, the Delina Water Supply Scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) continues to await completion, with a shortage of funds holding up the remaining works and leaving thousands of residents without a reliable supply of potable water. The scheme was conceived to address the areas longstanding drinking water crisis. However, despite significant expenditure on its construction, the project remains non-functional. According to official records, around Rs 4 crore has already been spent on the project, while an additional Rs 5 crore is required to complete the remaining works. While the civil works were completed several years ago, the crucial mechanical works remain pending due to a paucity of funds, officials said. Additional funds are needed to complete the balance works, and the pending components will be taken up once the requisite funds are released, a Jal Shakti Department official said. The prolonged delay has frustrated residents, who say they continue to face difficulties in accessing safe and adequate drinking water despite the JJM project being intended to address these concerns precisely. Residents also raised concerns over the quality of the water currently being supplied in parts of the area, alleging that it is not adequately filtered. Locals further claimed that cases of typhoid and other water-borne illnesses had been reported in the area. The claims could not be independently verified. We have been suffering because of the drinking water problem for decades. The government had given us hope through this scheme, but its delay has only added to our difficulties, said Muhammad Ashraf, a resident of Delina Ghat. Residents urged the authorities to release the required funds at the earliest and complete the pending mechanical works so that the scheme can be made operational. They said access to safe drinking water was a basic necessity and called for immediate intervention by the concerned authorities to resolve the issue.
Private hospitals under financial stress as Ayushman Bharat dues pile up in J&K
Private hospitals and dialysis centres empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)/SEHAT scheme in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over prolonged delays in reimbursement, claiming that payments due to them have remained pending for the past eight months. The hospital owners have also raised concerns over the functioning of the State Health Agency (SHA), which implements the scheme in J&K, claiming that salaries of its district-level staff have not been released for the past four months. According to the private hospital representatives, incentives and TA/DA payments of SHA staff have also remained pending since 2022, raising questions over the agencys financial position and its ability to ensure timely payments to empanelled healthcare providers. After releasing a mere 1015 per cent of the outstanding dues about a month ago, payments have again been stopped. If the implementing agency is unable to pay salaries to its own district staff for four months and incentives for years, it raises serious concerns about the availability of funds with the SHA, a private hospital owner said. The hospital owners said private healthcare facilities were continuing to provide cashless treatment to beneficiaries under the scheme despite the mounting arrears, with many facilities relying on loans and other sources of credit to meet operational expenses. They said delayed reimbursements were putting increasing pressure on hospitals to meet salaries of doctors, nurses and other staff, besides maintaining essential services, particularly dialysis facilities. The situation, they warned, could become more critical for dialysis centres, where uninterrupted treatment is essential and operational costs remain high. The private hospital owners have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, to intervene and ensure immediate release of the pending reimbursements. They warned that if payments were not released within a week, several private hospitals, particularly dialysis centres, could face a serious financial crisis, potentially affecting the continuity of services to beneficiaries under the scheme.
DLSA Srinagar organises training for Paralegal Volunteers
Srinagar, Aug 20: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar organised a one-day training programme for Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs) regarding the Mega Drive for Implementation of NALSA Schemes at the Grassroots Level Phase I, and DAWN Scheme, under the able guidance of Mr. Haq Nawaz Zargar (PDJ) Chairman DLSA Srinagar. The program was presided over by Tabassum Qadir Civil Judge Senior Division Secretary DLSA Srinagar/Budgam. The training programme was conducted in the presence of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Khonmoh/Harwan, and was presided over by the Secretary, DLSA Srinagar. The PLVs were sensitized about the objectives of the Mega Drive and their role in ensuring effective implementation of NALSA schemes at the grassroots level. The Secretary, DLSA Srinagar, emphasized the importance of proactive outreach by PLVs to identify eligible beneficiaries, spread awareness regarding available legal services and welfare schemes, and facilitate access to justice for vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. The BDO, Khonmoh/Harwan, member of the DAWN Committee, also interacted with the PLVs, encouraging their pivotal role at the ground level in combating the drug menace and highlighted the importance of coordination between the District Legal Services Authority and the local administration for effective implementation of welfare and legal-aid initiatives. The training concluded with directions to the PLVs to undertake effective grassroots-level outreach and ensure that the benefits of NALSA schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.
Cloudburst triggers flood-like situation in Shopian
A cloudburst struck the forest area of Shukro Keller in south Kashmirs Shopian district on Thursday, triggering a flood-like situation in the Nallah Bridnaie flowing through Zampathri Keller. No loss of life or property was reported from the affected area so far. The cloudburst came a day after heavy rains and gusty winds lashed parts of Shopian on Wednesday, damaging apple orchards and causing losses to growers in several areas. Farmers said strong winds uprooted several apple-laden trees and knocked fruit off branches, damaging the crop ahead of the harvesting season. The winds uprooted apple-laden trees. They also knocked off the fruit from the trees, said Tariq Ahmad, a farmer from Shopian town. The weather event followed an earlier spell of heavy winds and hailstorm that had caused extensive damage to apple orchards across more than a dozen villages in the district. Director Horticulture Kashmir Vikas Anand had told Greater Kashmir that some villages had suffered around 90 per cent damage from the earlier weather event. Anand, accompanied by Zainapora MLA Showkat Zargar, visited several affected villages on Saturday to take stock of the damage and interact with farmers. He said horticulture department teams were assessing the losses in the field and a detailed picture would emerge after the assessment was completed. The successive spells of adverse weather have added to concerns among apple growers in Shopian, one of Kashmirs major horticulture districts. Farmers said damage to fruit-bearing trees could result in substantial losses at a time when growers have already incurred significant expenditure on orchard management, fertilisers, pesticides and labour. The latest cloudburst has also renewed concerns over flash floods in vulnerable areas of the district, particularly along nallahs and water channels passing through forest and orchard belts. Authorities were monitoring the situation and further details on the impact of Thursdays cloudburst were awaited.
PM SHRI High School Pohrupeth faces shortage of classrooms, staff
Kupwara, Aug 20:Established in 1961, Government Boys High School Pohrupeth in Langate area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district which has a history of performing well in 10th class results is grappling with shortage of classrooms and teaching staff thus subjecting students to enduring hardships. Although the school was accorded PM SHRI status few years ago but things did not improve at this premier educational institution of Pohru area. The school has only six classrooms to offer for 213 students, resulting in severe hardships to students with regard to accommodation. Locals of the area told Greater Kashmir that the school has never been a priority for the concerned department due to which their children were suffering. They expressed concern over the infrastructure and the deployment of teachers from the school to other institutions during the peak academic session. Sixty years ago, we as students were studying on mats. After PM SHRI status was accorded to the school, we thought that mats would be replaced by benches but there has been no change, a local told Greater Kashmir . Advocate Noor UlShahbaz said that the school has a limited number of teachers in view of its student strength and subject requirements. Regular deployment of key teachers to other schools, particularly during the peak academic period, creates difficulties for students, he said. The school once had a playground but haphazard construction of buildings and washrooms has left limited open space for sports and other co-curricular activities, he added. When top policy makers are talking about an AI revolution in the education sector, a simple question arises, where does PM SHRI BHS Pohrupeth stand amid this transformation? Our children deserve more than promises, they deserve basic infrastructure, digital facilities and best learning environment fit for the future. We cannot prepare our children for the AI age while their school continues to struggle with basic necessities. The high school students of Pohrupeth deserve equal opportunity to be part of India's AI revolution, Advocate Noor said. The school has also been functioning without a regular Headmaster since April 2026, adding to the concerns of students, parents and locals. Of 14 teachers, only 10 were performing duties at the school presently as three female teachers have availed one year leave while one other teacher was few days ago shifted to other school creating problems for our children. We hardly have subject specific teachers at our school, local Congress leader IrshadGanie told this correspondent. The school has maintained a strong academic record, consistently achieving more than 90 percent in Class 10 board examinations and producing around 30 to 40 distinction holders every year. It has also performed well in sports, cultural activities and other co-curricular fields but still then it has never been a priority for the concerned department, he added. The locals said that the school being one of the established educational institutions in the area, should serve as a model for surrounding schools. They urged the authorities to provide adequate classrooms, improve staff, stop unnecessary deployment of teachers and appoint a regular Headmaster at the earliest. They further said that construction of a two-storey building could provide a permanent solution to the shortage of space. The residents further demanded that the school be upgraded to a Girls Higher Secondary School to prevent female students from facing hardships in pursuing higher education. Meanwhile Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) LangateNaseer Ahmad refuted the claims of locals of staff shortage at PM SHRI High School Pohrupeth, he however acknowledged that the buildings are old and if land is provided by the locals, new structures would be constructed within short span of time.
SSP Anantnag reviews security arrangements along Chhari Mubarak route
Srinagar, Aug 20:SSP Anantnag Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure-IPS reviewed the security arrangements along the route designated for the passage of Chhari Mubarak, ahead of the forthcoming religious procession. During the review, the SSP inspected the key locations and stretches along the route through which the Chhari Mubarak is scheduled to pass and took stock of the overall security arrangements, deployment plans, traffic management and crowd regulation measures. SSP Anantnag directed the officers and personnel deployed on the route to maintain heightened alertness, ensure effective coordination and remain vigilant throughout the movement. He emphasised that all necessary security and traffic arrangements must be put in place well in advance to facilitate the smooth and peaceful passage of the procession. The SSP further stressed the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders and directed the concerned officers to ensure seamless arrangements for the devotees and the general public. J&K Police remains committed to ensuring a safe, secure and peaceful environment for all devotees and citizens.
High Court seeks Govts explanation over plans for3 wetland reserves
Srinagar, Aug 20: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has sought an explanation from the J&K Government for not responding to the Centres communication on conservation plans for three wetland reserves for nearly a year. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani issued the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on environmental protection. The bench also questioned the exclusion of other Ramsar Sites in Jammu and Kashmir from the management planning process. The courts direction came following the information by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that the J&K Government had submitted Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) on August 25, 2025, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem (NPCA), for the period 2025-26 to 2029-30. The proposals sought consideration and administrative approval for three Wetland Reserves. However, the Ministry said that the proposals did not conform to the NPCA scheme. It subsequently wrote to the J&K Government on September 10, 2025, directing it to submit separate IMPs for each wetland in accordance with the NPCA Guidelines, 2024. The Ministry further informed that the J&K Government had not responded to the communication so far. Taking serious note of the delay, the Court directed the Government to file an affidavit explaining why it had failed to respond to the Ministrys September 10, 2025 communication and why separate management plans for the three wetland reserves had not been resubmitted. The Court also sought an explanation from the Government for excluding other Ramsar Sites in Jammu and Kashmir while preparing and submitting the IMPs. The Ministry informed the Court that the NPCA scheme, which was initially valid until March 31, 2026, has been given an interim extension up to September 30, 2026. It added that a proposal for continuation of the scheme for the 2026-31 financial cycle is currently under consideration before the competent authority. The High Court granted the Government three weeks to file the requisite affidavit.
IUST invites researchers, academicians to J&K Science Congress 2026
Awantipora, Aug 20:The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Government of Jammu & Kashmir, will host the Jammu & Kashmir Science Congress 2026 from September 29 to October 1, 2026, at the University campus. The Congress, titled Science, Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and Viksit J&K, will bring together researchers, innovators, policymakers, industry representatives, and students from across the country to explore emerging scientific and technological solutions for sustainable development. More than 500 scientists and researchers are expected to participate in the Congress. The Congress invites researchers, academicians and scientific professionals to actively participate and contribute their research and perspectives to the deliberations. The event will feature plenary lectures by eminent scientists, technical sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, start-up showcases, innovation displays and policy dialogues, providing opportunities for meaningful academic and professional engagement. The thematic tracks cover a broad range of contemporary areas, including Advanced Materials, Nanoscience and Sustainable Manufacturing; Drug Discovery, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Healthcare Innovations; AI, Data Science and Emerging Digital Technologies; Biotechnology and Bio-economy; Sustainable Energy and Himalayan Ecosystem Resilience; Water Security and Earth System Sciences; Science, Society and Sustainable Development; Science Communication, Media and Public Engagement; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Humanities, Ethics and Emerging Technologies; Sustainable Food Processing; Smart Engineering Systems and Industry 5.0; Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences; and Natural Sciences, Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Sustainability. A dedicated school-level science outreach programme will further engage young learners through competitions, exhibitions, poster and model presentations, and other interactive activities, encouraging scientific curiosity and innovation among school students across Jammu &Kashmir.
J&K youth full of talent, passion: CS Atal Dulloo
Baramulla, Aug 20:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday said there was no dearth of talent among the youth in J&K saying that they only needed right opportunities and guidance to realise their potential. Addressing a gathering during the knockout ceremony of the Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2026, Atal Dulloo, who was the chief guest at the knock out ceremony at General BipinRawat Stadium Baramulla, said the youth of J&K were full of enthusiasm, passion and the ability to move forward. They only need the right opportunity and the right path. We are sitting on a gold mine of talent and opportunity, he added. Referring to Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2026, J&K CS said the tournament would provide young cricketers a platform to showcase their talent. He also congratulated Indian Army's Dagger Division for organising the event, saying such initiatives provide youth with a positive, healthy and creative stage while strengthening peace, brotherhood and mutual trust through sports. He said cricket was not merely a game but carried important lessons of discipline, team spirit, mutual respect and sportsmanship. The field teaches us how to win with humility and how to lose with patience. These are the principles that show the way to success in life, the Chief Secretary said. Addressing the players, Dulloo said the athletes must follow three principles that they should always play with discipline, play with passion and hard work besides respecting their competitors, umpires and the audience. The real champion is the one who wins people's hearts with his good character and behaviour, he said. The Chief Secretary said the future of Jammu and Kashmir was closely linked to its youth. When young people progresses in sports, education and national development, society as a whole moves forward, he added. He said tournaments such as the CPL also promote interaction among players from different regions, enabling them to understand and learn from each other and forge new friendships. This is the real strength of national unity, he said. Dulloo also said there was a need to build self-confidence among young people so that they could dream big and develop the capacity to turn those dreams into reality. Quoting former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalams famous observation on dreams, he urged youth to nurture ambitions that would inspire them to work relentlessly towards achieving them. I am hopeful that the CPL-2026 would strengthen friendship, unity and healthy competition and wished all participating teams success, he said. He also lauded the coaches, teachers, sportspersons and all those working to provide young players opportunities to progress through hard work and determination. Meanwhile, CPL-2026 entered Knockout Stage on August 20 while the mid-tournament milestone marked 1.6 million viewers, 1,600 athletes, and a grassroots push for peace spearheaded by the Indian Army. CPL-2026 has officially concluded its historic league phase. Evolving from a modest local tournament into a premier sporting spectacle, CPL-2026 successfully integrated athletes across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, marking a monumental milestone for regional stability and youth development. After the preliminary stage, CPL-2026 now advances to the knockouts. By breaking down historical geographical barriers, the league has provided a shared, inclusive platform where youth from diverse backgrounds can connect, compete, and unite under a national spotlight, one of the organisers said. CPL-2026 garnered massive attention locally and nationally, including through online streaming platforms. 1,600 athletes engaged in CPL-2026 giving youth a shot at athletic glory, he said. As per the figures, as many as 79 competing teams have been selected for CPL-2026 out of 130 applicant teams. The 79 teams are divided across 26 pools under which 81 matches will be played across eight venues, decentralizing the action and bringing high-octane cricket directly to local communities. 32 teams have already qualified to battle for the championship in the knockout stage, an official said. On Thursday Sheeri Blasters faced Downtown Bijbera in the thrilling inaugural knockout match. Commissioner Secretary Department of Youth Services and Sports Dr.Shahid Iqbal Choudhary was the guest of honour while Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Fakhruddin Hamid, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the 19 Infantry Division Major General Manoj Joshi and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Guriderpal Singh were also present at the occasion.
Across diverse civilizations, aging was viewed as an elevation into a role of counsel and mediation rather than a descent into obsolescence. The conceptual framework of being a senior integrates lived experience, institutional memory, and ethical continuity. Within traditional jurisprudence and community governance, seniority conferred the right to arbitrate disputes, preserve cultural heritage, and transmit unwritten technical acumen across generational divides. Reclaiming the authentic concept of seniority requires recognizing older adults as foundational anchors of social capital, whose qualitative contributions cannot be measured by standard market metrics but are vital for the preservation of humanistic values. Older populations act as the invisible infrastructure sustaining modern communities through multi-layered socio-economic and cultural contributions. Economically, seniors frequently drive the silver economy, supporting consumer markets, managing household assets, and providing direct financial lifelines to younger generations facing housing and employment volatility. Socially, they form the backbone of unpaid care work, shouldering vast responsibilities in childcare, household management, and looking after grandchildren, thereby enabling parents to participate in the formal workforce. Culturally, seniors are the primary custodians of indigenous knowledge, oral histories, traditional arts, linguistic nuances, and spiritual continuity. Furthermore, their civic participation through volunteering, community leadership, and grassroots mentorship infuses civic life with stability, historical perspective, and ethical resilience, proving that retirement is a transition from state-mandated labour to profound societal stewardship. Despite their foundational value, older adults face profound systemic, physical, and psychological vulnerabilities that are often exacerbated by modern socio-economic shifts. Physically, advanced age brings an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases, multi-morbidity, sensory impairments, and degenerative conditions such as dementia, which require sustained medical oversight. Psychologically, seniors are disproportionately impacted by social isolation, chronic loneliness, and bereavement, which heavily elevate risks for anxiety and clinical depression. Economically, the cessation of regular wages combined with inadequate pension architectures exposes aging cohorts to poverty, inflation shocks, and catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditures. Additionally, systemic ageism, institutional neglect, and elder abuseranging from financial exploitation to psychological and physical neglect within domestic or care settingsrepresent acute violations of human rights that threaten the safety and dignity of millions globally. Providing specialized care for older populations is an imperative dictated by the complex physiological and psychological realities of aging. Special care mandates specialized training for healthcare professionals to address geriatric syndromessuch as frailty, polypharmacy risks, and cognitive declinewhich are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked in general medical settings. Furthermore, palliative and long-term care systems must be institutionalized to support those with severe functional dependencies. Recognizing this need involves shifting societal priorities from reactive, emergency-based interventions to proactive, preventative, and compassionate long-term care frameworks that honor the bodily autonomy and personal dignity of aging individuals. The global ecosystem for elder-care exhibits stark disparities between developing nations and advanced industrial economies. In many Western and Nordic nations, structured long-term care ecosystems feature state-subsidized home-care assistance, assisted living facilities, and regulated institutional frameworks backed by robust social security safety nets. Conversely, in low- and middle-income regions, the care ecosystem relies almost exclusively on informal, family-based networks, where women typically bear the overwhelming burden of caregiving without formal training or financial compensation. Globally, international frameworks like the World Health Organizations Decade of Healthy Ageing (20212030) strive to harmonize standards, combat ageism, and foster age-friendly environments. However, realizing a universally equitable care ecosystem requires massive cross-border investments in workforce development, digital health integration, and sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term care infrastructure. The ongoing demographic transition represents a historic turning point in human history, characterized by declining fertility rates and steadily rising life expectancies across nearly every continent. This longevity revolution is a testament to triumphs in public health, sanitation, pharmacology, and socioeconomic development. However, it simultaneously challenges traditional paradigms of economic growth, labour market participation, retirement age thresholds, and intergenerational contract structures. Navigating this macro-demographic shift demands forward-thinking public policy that decouples aging from dependency and reframes longevity as an asset for sustainable development. Demographic tracking by organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization underscores the unprecedented acceleration of global aging: In 2023, the global population of individuals aged 60 years and older stood at approximately 1.1 billion. This figure is projected to surge to 1.4 billion by 2030 (representing roughly one in six people globally) and reach 2.1 billion by 2050. The cohort of individuals aged 80 years or older is expanding even faster, expected to triple between 2020 and 2060, crossing historic thresholds of vulnerability and care demand. By the late 2060s and 2080s, projections indicate that older persons aged 65 and above will outnumber children under the age of 18 globally. Approximately 15% of adults aged 70 and over live with a mental health condition, predominantly anxiety and depression, heavily amplified by social isolation and unaddressed chronic illness. The socio-economic requirements of an aging population extend far beyond basic subsistence, demanding multi-dimensional structural adaptations. Financially, seniors require secure, inflation-indexed pension systems, transparent banking services, and protection against predatory financial practices to ensure lifelong economic independence. Socially, communities must combat the epidemic of loneliness by designing accessible public spaces, affordable transport networks, and vibrant community centers that encourage continuous civic engagement. Geographically and structurally, urban planning must incorporate age-friendly housing, wheelchair-accessible infrastructure, and safe pedestrian pathways. The widespread transition from traditional joint and extended family households to isolated nuclear family units has triggered profound disruptions in traditional eldercare models. In fast-paced urban environments where both partners frequently work and residential spaces are spatially constrained, the traditional practice of multi-generational co-residence has steeply declined. This shift often leaves elderly parents physically isolated in ancestral homes or inadequately accommodated in compact apartments, depriving them of immediate daily interaction and spontaneous familial support. Consequently, the nuclear family structure places immense psychological strain on aging individuals, heightening vulnerability to isolation, while forcing younger couples to juggle dual-career pressures with distant caregiving logistics. This structural disconnect exposes deep fractures in social cohesion, necessitating alternative institutional and community-based support mechanisms. Governments worldwide are increasingly compelled to redesign public policy architectures to address the structural realities of aging populations. Key interventions include the establishment of universal or contributory social pension schemes, subsidized geriatric healthcare packages, and national policies aimed at safeguarding elder rights against abuse and neglect. Progressive administrations are implementing Age-Friendly Cities initiatives that mandate accessible public transportation, universal design housing codes, and barrier-free civic amenities. Additionally, states are launching subsidized community daycare centers for seniors, respite care programs for family caregivers, and legislative frameworks protecting senior citizen maintenance rights from estranged relatives. However, the efficacy of these state interventions frequently battles fiscal constraints, bureaucratic delays, and the sheer velocity of demographic inversion, requiring continuous public-private collaboration. To bridge the widening gaps left by overburdened state infrastructure and fragmented nuclear families, innovative alternative care and community solutions are rapidly emerging. Intergenerational Co-housing: Programs pairing university students with older homeowners, offering affordable housing in exchange for companionship, light household assistance, and digital literacy coaching. Senior Cooperatives & Eco-Villages: Self-managed, intentional communities where older adults pool resources, share caregiving duties, and foster mutual aid networks to age in place collectively. Digital Tele-Geriatrics & AI Companionship: Leveraging tele-health platforms for remote vital monitoring and deploying assistive AI technologies to mitigate daily loneliness and manage medication schedules. The phenomenon of global aging is neither a mere demographic footnote nor an impending socio-economic crisis; it is the ultimate testament to humanitys collective triumph over disease, ignorance, and early mortality. When we map the trajectory from the biological dawn of seniority to the complex architectural demands of the 21st-century silver economy, a profound philosophical realization emerges: a societys true measure is eternally mirrored in how it cradles those who built its foundations. The convergence of soaring life expectancies, shrinking family sizes, and shifting economic paradigms demands an evolutionary leap in civilizational empathy. We are summoned to construct a world where longevity is decoupled from irrelevance, and where the autumn years of human life are illuminated by dignity, security, and vibrant engagement. By weaving together compassionate state policy, innovative community co-housing, cutting-edge geriatric care, and an unyielding commitment to intergenerational solidarity, we transform the aging revolution from a logistical challenge into our greatest cultural renaissance. Ultimately, honouring our seniors is not an act of charity, but an act of profound self-recognitionprotecting the architects of our present and the keepers of our collective soul. Sanjay Rohmetra, Ex District Sericulture Officer.
Understanding thelife sentence
The life sentence for Baloch rights activist Dr Mahrang has once again drawn international attention to the long-standing human rights crisis in Pakistans Balochistan province. For the world, the case cannot be simply about the fate of one activist but it presents the real picture of human rights violations in that region. Dr Mahrangs life sentence represents the widening gap between Pakistans constitutional promises of democracy and freedom of expression and the realities faced by those who question state policies in the countrys largest yet most marginalized province. Dr Mahrang Baloch has emerged as one of the most recognizable faces of the peaceful Baloch rights movement over the years. She has been consistently organizing peaceful sit-ins, marches, and public gatherings for disappeared persons garnering her full support from their relatives. Dr Mahrangs activism has largely centered on seeking accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law rather than promoting violence or armed resistance. Dr Mahrang Baloch has been associated with The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) for the last two decades where she gained national and international recognition for mobilizing thousands of ordinary citizens, particularly women, students, and families of missing persons. Dr Baloch along with supporters registered numerous demonstrations, including the widely discussed long march to Islamabad which highlighted the grievances of Baloch people, according to which they have lived for decades under fear and uncertainty. Participants in the march called upon authorities to investigate grave issues of disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The protests by the Baloch people have been dealt with heavy security responses. Human rights organizations have time and again raised their voice against the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee activists and restrictions on public assemblies. Internet shutdowns and ban on media coverage in Balochistan has also been a great concern for the Human rights observers. Rights groups have argued that excessive use of security measures risks shrinking the democratic space available for peaceful dissent. The life sentence to Dr Mahrang Baloch has triggered criticism from civil society organizations and international human rights organizations. They hold a valid point that criminalizing peaceful activism goes against the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. The development has also raised broader questions about the governance of Pakistan in Balochistan. Despite being rich in natural resources, including minerals, natural gas and an important coastline, the strategically important Balochistan province has been continuously facing economic neglect, political marginalization, and limited local participation in decision-making. Locals in Balochistan resent that they do not receive a fair share of benefits generated from the resources being extracted from the province. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have been maintaining to ensure due process, protect freedom of peaceful assembly and investigate enforced disappearances made by the Pakistani security forces from the last two decades. The United Nations has also taken up the issue with Pakistan and showed strong concern over arbitrary detention, intimidation of activists and restrictions on civic freedoms in the province. These International Human Rights organizations have consistently urged Pakistan to uphold international human rights obligations in Balochistan. The relatives of those who disappeared have been demanding information about their loved ones after being taken into custody by the Pakistani forces, their years of struggle have not fetched any positive result but they continue with their struggle and hoping against hope of seeing their disappeared relatives. Their public demonstrations often feature photographs of missing family members rather than political slogans, underscoring the human dimension of the conflict. The life sentence to Dr Mahrang Baloch has sent shock waves among her supporters who have been raising their voice against the verdict and seek answers through peaceful means. The Author Dr Sheikh Jamsheed, a dedicated Social and Peace Activist has also been awarded an International Honorary Doctorate in Social Work in recognition of his contributions.
Memory to Practice: J&Ks Intellectual Legacy
Jammu & Kashmir possesses one of the most layered and sophisticated intellectual traditions in the subcontinent. From the spiritual humanism of Lal Ded and Nund Rishi to the modern literary consciousness shaped by Mahjoor, Dinanath Nadim, and Rehman Rahi, the regions cultural history is neither shallow nor fragmented. It is deeply philosophical, linguistically rich, and emotionally profound (Kaul, 2011; Raina, 2002). Yet a pressing paradox defines the present moment: despite this vast intellectual inheritance, the current generation appears increasingly disconnected from it. This is not merely a question of cultural decline; it is a structural issue of how legacy is transmitted, institutionalized, and lived. When examined through a comparative lens particularly alongside South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala the divergence becomes analytically clear. South India has succeeded not because it has a richer past, but because it has developed systems that convert heritage into everyday practice (Dirks, 2001; Subramanian, 2019). Jammu & Kashmir, by contrast, remains heavily reliant on memory without sufficient structural reinforcement. A Legacy of Depth, Not Design The intellectual tradition of Jammu & Kashmir is fundamentally experiential and syncretic. Figures like Lal Ded and Nund Rishi did not merely write poetry; they created a shared ethical language that transcended religious boundaries. Their verses, transmitted orally across generations, became embedded in everyday speech, rituals, and moral reasoning (Hassan, 2005). This represents a powerful form of cultural resilience a system where knowledge survives through community participation rather than formal institutions. Similarly, literary figures such as Mahjoor and Nadim transformed Kashmiri poetry into a vehicle of collective consciousness, addressing themes of identity, freedom, and belonging (Zutshi, 2004). Later scholars like Rehman Rahi provided the critical framework necessary to elevate Kashmiri literature to national recognition (Rahi, 2007). In the global domain, Agha Shahid Ali carried this tradition outward, translating the Kashmiri experience into a universal literary language (King, 2002). Taken together, this tradition represents a complete intellectual ecosystem philosophy, literature, social reform, and global articulation. However, its primary mode of preservation has historically been oral, emotional, and community-driven rather than institutional and systemic. From Living Culture to Symbolic Memory The central challenge today is that cultural resilience alone is no longer sufficient, and several structural shifts have combined to weaken the transmission of this legacy. The decline of linguistic practice has significantly affected cultural continuity: Kashmiri and Dogri, once the carriers of philosophical and poetic traditions, are increasingly replaced by English and Urdu in education and daily communication (Bamzai, 1994), and when language weakens, the original texture of thought and expression is inevitably lost. Educational integration, too, remains shallow although figures like Lal Ded and Mahjoor appear in school curricula, their treatment is often superficial and exam-oriented, limiting any deeper engagement. Compounding this, the institutional ecosystem remains limited; bodies such as the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages play an important role, yet their influence is not deeply integrated into public life compared to other regions (Kachru, 2008). At the same time, globalization has reshaped aspirations toward economic mobility and technological advancement, creating a disconnect between modern ambitions and cultural rootedness (Appadurai, 1996), while decades of political instability have further disrupted the continuity of cultural transmission, particularly in community spaces where oral traditions once thrived (Bose, 2003). Taken together, these shifts mark a transition from living culture to symbolic memory, where intellectual figures are respected but no longer actively engaged with. Model: From Legacy to System In contrast, South Indian states offer a compelling example of how intellectual heritage can be systematically preserved and operationalized. Figures such as Thiruvalluvar and E. V. Ramasamy are not confined to history; they are embedded in contemporary life. This success rests on four interlocking mechanisms. Educational embedding ensures that texts like the Thirukkural are core components of school curricula, shaping ethical and civic understanding from an early age (Ramaswamy, 1997). Institutional continuity is maintained through enduring structures established by thinkers such as Adi Shankaracharya, whose monastic institutions continue to function as centers of knowledge and debate (King, 1999). Policy integration reflects reformist ideas particularly those of Periyar within governance frameworks related to social justice and rationalism (Pandian, 2007). Public visibility, through monuments, awards, and cultural discourse, reinforces these figures as active symbols of identity and aspiration (Subramanian, 2019). In essence, South India demonstrates that culture survives when it is institutionalized, incentivized, and collectively practiced. What Jammu & Kashmir Can Learn The comparative insight here is not about replication but adaptation. Oral traditions must be supplemented with structured academic engagement, requiring deeper textual analysis, interdisciplinary teaching, and critical interpretation. Language, too, must be treated as identity infrastructure revitalizing Kashmiri, Dogri, and Gojri is essential for sustaining intellectual continuity. This calls for institutional expansion as well, with research centers, public forums, and university-community collaborations strengthened to support it. Beyond structure, the region's intellectual legacy must be actively linked to contemporary issues such as social justice, ethics, and globalization, transforming it from inherited memory into practical wisdom. Finally, this cultural engagement must be incentivized through awards, fellowships, and public recognition, ensuring that it remains socially valued rather than quietly fading into the background. Toward a Living Framework: Reimagining the Future It is analytically limiting to interpret the current state of Jammu & Kashmirs intellectual heritage as a simple decline. The reality is more complex: what appears as cultural erosion is, in fact, a structural transition. The present generation is not disengaged from its heritage; rather, it is operating within a transformed socio-economic and educational environment where traditional modes of transmission oral traditions, community practices, and localized cultural spaces no longer function with the same continuity or influence. Historically, the cultural framework of Jammu & Kashmir has been anchored in resilience the capacity of its people to sustain identity, values, and intellectual traditions despite political instability, social disruption, and external pressures. This resilience ensured survival. However, in an era defined by globalization, technological shifts, and changing aspirations, resilience alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee continuity. What is missing is not cultural depth, but a coherent institutional architecture that systematically bridges the past with the present. The critical task, therefore, is to move beyond a binary of preservation versus loss and instead adopt a hybrid model that integrates cultural resilience with institutional reinforcement. Cultural resilience provides the authenticity, emotional depth, and lived experience that define the uniqueness of Kashmiri and Dogri traditions. Institutional preservation, on the other hand, offers structure, scalability, and long-term continuity through education systems, research bodies, policy frameworks, and public cultural infrastructure. When these two dimensions operate in isolation, they are limited: resilience without institutions risks fragmentation and gradual fading, while institutions without cultural grounding risk becoming symbolic and disconnected. Their integration, however, creates a dynamic system in which culture is not only remembered, but actively lived, practiced, and reinterpreted across generations. This is precisely where the comparative experience of South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala offers a valuable lesson. Their success lies not merely in celebrating intellectual figures, but in embedding them within education, governance, and public life, thereby transforming legacy into a functional component of contemporary society. For Jammu & Kashmir, the path forward is therefore not one of rediscovery, but of restructuring. The region already possesses a profound intellectual inheritance shaped by centuries of philosophical inquiry, literary excellence, and cultural synthesis. The challenge is to convert this inheritance into an operational system one that enables the current generation to engage with it not as distant history, but as a relevant and guiding force. Ultimately, the question is not whether the legacy exists, but whether it is being translated into lived reality. If Jammu & Kashmir succeeds in building this bridge between resilience and institution, it will not only preserve its past but will also redefine its cultural future with renewed intellectual confidence and global relevance. Dr. Tajamul Rehman Sofi is an Economics Researcher. Views expressed here are personal.
From Stone-Pelters to Flag-Bearers
For thirty six years, Kashmir has carried many conversations that seem to return to the same starting point. There are demands for conclaves, resolutions, statements, conferences and declarations. There are arguments over terrorism, displacement, Article 370, militancy and the tragedies that have scarred generations. Each side carries its own memory, and often its own version of justice. But perhaps the uncomfortable question we need to ask today is this: have we changed the conversation while the conversation has remained unchanged? Kashmir has changed. The Kashmiri who lived through the last three and a half decades has not remained politically where he was in 1990. He has seen governments change, political movements rise and disappear, elections return, development accelerate, technology transform society and an entirely new generation grow up with aspirations very different from those of their parents. That generation is politically aware. It understands power, opportunity and the consequences of political choices. It may not agree with everything that came before, but neither can it be expected to inherit every emotion of the past. And that is where another difficult conversation needs to take place within the displaced Kashmiri Pundit community. The pain of displacement cannot and should not be erased. The killings, intimidation, exodus and destruction of lives and livelihoods are part of Kashmirs history. They deserve remembrance and justice. But remembrance cannot become the only language through which Kashmir is discussed. For thirty-six years, much of the discourse has remained anchored to the same vocabulary: terrorism, return, rehabilitation, justice, resolutions and the hope that someone will eventually solve Kashmir. But who exactly is going to solve it? Governments can provide security. Courts can provide justice. Administrations can provide compensation, infrastructure and opportunities. But no government can manufacture emotional belonging. That has to be rebuilt by people. And perhaps we need to accept another reality. Thousands of Kashmiri Pundits who left in the 1990s have now spent most of their adult lives outside Kashmir. Their children and grandchildren were born elsewhere. They have built careers, homes, friendships and identities in other places. For many of them, Kashmir is inherited memory rather than lived experience. That does not make their connection to Kashmir less legitimate. But it does make it different. The Kashmir remembered by one generation is not necessarily the Kashmir imagined by the next. This is why repeatedly asking the next generation to return to the emotional vocabulary of 1990 may not work. Nor will repeatedly telling young Kashmiris that their present must forever be interpreted through the violence of the past. At some point, memory has to become a bridge rather than a boundary. Perhaps the real question is not how to recreate the Kashmir that existed before 1990. That Kashmir is gone. History does not provide a rewind button. The question is: what kind of Kashmir can we build now? And here lies the greatest opportunity. If a young Kashmiri once picked up a stone, how do we persuade him to pick up a flag? Not merely a political flag. A flag of participation. A flag of citizenship. A flag of aspiration. A flag under which he sees his future rather than his grievance. You cannot achieve that by repeatedly reminding him of his alienation. And similarly, if a Kashmiri Pundit wants to reconnect with the Valley, perhaps the conversation should increasingly be about participation rather than pronouncements. Come. Visit. Teach. Invest. Restore a home if you wish. Build a business. Support a school. Record family histories. Celebrate festivals and become part of the Kashmir that exists not only the Kashmir that was lost. There will always be those who commit crimes. There will always be extremists. There will always be provocations and incidents. A society must deal firmly with violence and terrorism. But a few incidents should not become the permanent definition of an entire people. If every act of violence is allowed to reopen the entire wound, reconciliation becomes impossible. The future cannot be held hostage by the worst memories of the past. Kashmir needs a new vocabulary. Not forgetting, but remembering differently. Not denying suffering, but refusing to inherit hatred. Let us acknowledge what happened. Let us pursue justice where justice is possible. Let us preserve memory. But then let us move. Because the real measure of reconciliation will not be how many conferences we hold, how many resolutions we pass, or how often we repeat the tragedies of the past. Whether a stone-pelter can become a flag-bearer. Whether a displaced family can return not merely to a house, but to a relationship. And whether the next generation of Kashmiris Muslim, Pundit, Sikh, Buddhist or anyone else, can inherit something better than our memories of what Kashmir was. Perhaps after thirty-six years, the most courageous thing we can do is stop asking the past to solve the future. Sanjay Kaul is Professor of Engineering Technology at Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA, and writer focuses on globalization, technology and policy. He has held leadership roles in higher education and frequently writes on international economic and political affairs .
Mridula Saw the Horrors of Partition
The Government of India decided in 2021 to observe 14 August every year as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to commemorate the pain and suffering endured by the people during the Partition of India in 1947. Even by the most conservative estimates, two hundred thousand people were killed, while seventy-five thousand women were abducted and raped. India put the number of abducted women at 33,000 Hindu and Sikh women, while Pakistan estimated the number of abducted Muslim women at 50,000. Around twelve million people crossed the borders in both directions. Pertinently, some scholars have described Partition as the dark side of independence. Mridula Sarabhai, a freedom fighter and fiercely independent minded was an eyewitness to the horrors of Partition. General Thimaya described her as the bravest man in Indian army. She worked tirelessly for the recovery of abducted women, refusing to simply follow any official line and, on several occasions, even differing with Mahatma Gandhi whose own life was cut short by an act of violence. Partition Plan Feminist historiography has brought to the fore the ways in which women were tortured and killed during Partition. Urvashi Butalia, in her book The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India, raises an important question about the Partition of India. She argues that there is no institutional memory of Partition: the state has not seen fit to construct memorials or mark particular places, as has been done in the case of Holocaust memorials or memorials commemorating the Vietnam War. The explanation for this lapse, she believes, is not difficult to find. She asks how Partition could be memorialized by the state without the state recognizing its own complicity. Lord Mountbatten presided over a meeting to discuss the Boundary Award on 16 August 1947. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Congress and the Muslim League. The decision of Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who chaired the three boundary commissions for Punjab, Bengal, and the Sylhet district of Assam, was made public only on 17 August 1947, when the three awards were gazetted. This was three days after Pakistan had celebrated its independence and two days after India had celebrated hers. Although Radcliffe had very little time at his disposal, the top leadersNehru, Jinnah, and Patelwanted the boundary line to be drawn before or on 15 August. In the prevailing situation, everyone suffered, but women were among the worst sufferers. Recovery of Abducted Women The circumstances surrounding the abduction of women varied. Some were separated from their families while fleeing or became lost and were subsequently picked up. Some were left behind as hostages to ensure the safe passage of their families. Others were initially given protection but were later incorporated into the families of their abductors. Aparna Basu, in her book Mridula Sarabhai: Rebel with a Cause, writes that there were instances in which women jumped into wells and rivers to escape abduction and the loss of their chastity. In Thoa Khalsa, nearly ninety women jumped into a well, and the well became so full that no more women could enter it. In Hanoli, in Mianwali district of Punjab, hundreds of women jumped into wells to escape being molested. Fathers killed their daughters; women jumped into burning houses and carried packets of poison to swallow in case they were captured. The well-known author Anees Kidwai, in her book Azadi Ki Chhaon Mein (Under the Shade of Independence), relates how the good maal (goods) could be shared among the police and the army, while the second-rate stuff would go to everyone else. A large number of abducted women were sold several times. Gandhi referred to this in a post-prayer speech. He said that some hoodlums came forward to bring back the girls if they are paid Rs. 1,000 per girl. Has this thing now become a business? To rescue these helpless women, Mridula rushed to Punjab. Her task was to recover Muslim girls who had been abducted and kept in Hindu and Sikh families, as well as Hindu and Sikh girls who had been abducted and taken to Pakistan. She was convinced that this was humanitarian work of the utmost importance and devoted the next six years of her life entirely to it. She set about the work of recovering abducted women like a tigress with cubs, wrote Y. D. Gundevia, who later became the Foreign Secretary of India. According to Gundevia, Mridula had direct access to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistans Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. She impressed upon both leaders the urgency of beginning the recovery work. An Inter-Dominion Conference was held in Lahore on 6 December 1947. It unanimously agreed that the two countries should take steps for the recovery and restoration of abducted women, with Mridula serving as the chief social worker. All abducted women were to be restored to their respective dominions, even against their wishes. There was considerable debate over whether women who declined to leave their abductors should be allowed to remain where they were. Eventually, the views of Mridula and Begum Liaquat Ali Khan prevailed, and it was decided that such women should be evacuated to the country where their relatives had migrated. This was a complex question because it was not always clear whether women refused to return because they were afraid to say so in front of their abductors or because they feared that their families would not accept them. A joint appeal to the people of India and Pakistan to restore all abducted women was issued by the representatives of the Inter-Dominion Conference. Prominent among the signatories were Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Iftikhar Hussain Khan of Mamdot, Begum Liaquat Ali Khan, Begum Shah Nawaz Khan, Begum Bashir Ahmed, Iftikharuddin, K. C. Neogy, Swaran Singh, Rameshwari Nehru, Mridula Sarabhai, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. Most of the abducted women were under 35 years of age and came from villages. After their recovery, the women were admitted to Recovered Womens Camps guarded by the police. Conditions within the camps were often appalling. When women from the Kurja camp arrived in Lahore, they looked like skeletons. Their hair and bodies were covered with ulcers and lice. Recovery and Restoration Act A bill for the recovery and restoration of abducted persons was introduced in Parliament by N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar and became an Act in December 1949. Clauses 1 and 2 of the Act emphasized that every effort should be made to recover and restore abducted women and children within the shortest possible time. The Act also stipulated that conversions of persons abducted after March 1947 would not be recognized and that such persons should be restored to their respective dominions.Mridula was the driving force behind these efforts. She explained how every possible technique was being used by abductors to defeat recovery efforts and argued that such legislation was necessary because it made the abduction of women and children a crime punishable by severe penalties. In early 1952, Mridula shifted her base to Jammu and Kashmir, where many relatives of recovered, Muslim women had migrated to Pakistan. She approached various departments of the Government of India and persuaded them to select a location in the ceasefire-line zone where recovered Muslim women could be taken to the border and reunited with their relatives from Pakistan, while Hindu and Sikh women could likewise be reunited with their families in India. Mridula succeeded in getting the Suchetgarh border opened for this humanitarian work. The recovery of abducted women and children, however, came to a grinding halt towards the end of 1953. According to Anees Kidwai, by 1954, approximately 17,000 women had been rescued from Pakistan and 20,000 from India. Many children born to abducted women were placed in orphanages. The German critical theorist Theodor W. Adorno famously declared that there could be no poetry after Auschwitz. Yet poets are among those best able to reach into the depths of human emotions and give expression to unimaginable suffering. Several years after Partition, when the first India-Pakistan mushaira (poetry gathering) was held in Karachi, the young poet Zehra Nigah came to the stage and, in a single couplet, summed up the picture of a shattered Nest: Aashiyana ki baat karte hoo, Kis zamane ki baat karte hoo? Prof Gull M Wani is a Kashmir based Political Scientist
The phenomenon of framing of solar system, with formation of earth and sky and their coming together is illuminated in a Holy Verse noted for its significance in the physical landmarks that shape the Universal Order: Moreover, He Comprehended in his design the sky, and it has been (as) smoke. He said to it and to the earth: Come ye together willingly or unwillingly. They said, We do come (together) in willing obedience (41:11) He Comprehended the Quranic idiom Istawa in its elaboration is taken to mean that His design Comprehended the heavens (Samaaa) to emphasise the fact heavens were not eternal or co-eternal with Him (Allah) but were a part of His design, a compliment to the creation of earth, where his supreme creationshuman beings dwelt. As per Quranic revelations, while earth was being shaped, sky existed as smoke or vapour or streamthe primeval matter without a definite order shape or symmetry, the state defined as Chaos, as opposed to Cosmos in Greek cosmogony. The primeval matter condensed into gases, liquids or solids. We may keep in mind that while earth was framed in four days, it took two days to shape the sky, in divine timing however the day could be as much as fifty thousand years, as stands noted in the Holy Verse: The angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a day, the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years (70:4) The conjecture in coming together of the earth and the sky willingly or unwillingly could be because of some physical forces pulling them apart, hence unwilling to join, however these forces could by dominated by forces making them willing partners to shape the solar system, as per the divine command. It is for physicists to explain the great mysteries of nature, forming what in Quranic idiom is called Afaq the realm of science in conjunction with Anfas the philosophy of working of nature.
Ladakhs long road to justice gets shorter
Srinagar, Aug 20:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Union Cabinets decision to establish a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh will significantly improve access to justice for people living in the Union Territorys remote and geographically challenging areas. Shah said the decision, taken by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, would reduce the time and burden involved for residents seeking judicial remedies. The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of the PM Shri @narendramodiJi, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. This will significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail themselves of the legal services they are entitled to, Shah said in a post on X. He said that the government remained committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. The decision assumes significance for residents of Leh and Kargil, who have faced considerable logistical and geographical challenges in accessing higher judicial forums since Ladakh became a separate Union Territory following the reorganisation of J&K in 2019. The establishment of a bench within Ladakh is expected to make judicial proceedings more accessible to litigants, lawyers and other stakeholders by reducing the need for travel outside the Union Territory for matters before the High Court. The move is also expected to strengthen the judicial infrastructure and legal ecosystem in Ladakh, with the proposed facilities likely to include courtrooms, registry infrastructure and other support facilities required for the functioning of the bench. Legal practitioners and residents in the region have long sought greater judicial accessibility, particularly given Ladakhs vast terrain, harsh weather conditions and long distances between settlements. The Cabinet decision is being viewed as a significant administrative step towards bringing higher judicial services closer to the people of Ladakh.
Fast track to Kashmir gets 3rd run
Jammu, Aug 20:Third and new Vande Bharat Express, between the two capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar with Udhampur as a stopover, is on the anvil, following approval by the Railway Ministry. Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, while sharing this significant news with the Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh, has asserted that the fresh (third) pair of Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, will comprise train numbers 26407 and 26408. To facilitate people and further enhance the regional connectivity, Indian Railway keeps on expanding, introducing new and additional train services in view of public demands raised from time to time and also depending on other operational factors including passenger occupancy and traffic demand on the section(s), Vaishnaw said. In a communique in Hindi addressed to Singh, the Minister for Railways said, In furtherance of that sequence, you will be glad to know that an approval has been granted to the operation of third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur (Railway Station). This service will operate as - train numbers 26407 and 26408 - Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. Singh broke this Good news for Udhampur a part of his parliamentary constituency- with the screenshot of Vaishnaws letter. In response to a popular public demand of the local population and an earnest request made by us, the Railway Ministry has agreed to include Udhampur as a stopover for the third and new Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, he shared with his electorate through his social media handles. This is yet again a reiteration of PM NarendraModis sensitive concern for the aspirations of the people of this region, Singh posted, thanking Railway Minister Vaishnaw for this positive and prompt gesture. The state-of-the-art JammuSrinagar Vande Bharat Express with almost full occupancy rate has emerged as preferred, reliable and all-weather option for the passengers to travel between two capitals of J&K, since commencement of its commercial operations on May 2, 2026, after being flagged off by the Union Railway Minister on April 30, 2026, from Jammu Railway Station. Currently, two pairs of Vande Bharat Express (train numbers 26401/26402 and 26404/26403) are operating between the two capital cities, covering the distance of 269 km in 4 hours 45 minutes. The Vande Bharat Express operation to Kashmir from Katra had started on June 6, 2025. Yet the services were extended to Jammu Tawi on April 30, 2026 establishing direct rail link between Jammu and Srinagar, with stopovers at Udhampur, Katra, Reasi and Banihal. Earlier on July 22, 2026, Vaishnaw, in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, had informed that Indian Railways introduced four pairs of new train services, including two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, in Jammu division during 2025-26 to improve rail connectivity in the region. The minister said that Jammu Division, the 70th Division of Indian Railways, was created in January 2025. The newly introduced train services included the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi KatraBudgam Express, AmritsarShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express and two pairs of Jammu TawiSrinagar Vande Bharat Express trains. According to Vaishnaw, Jammu Tawi railway station is presently served by 114 train services, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station by 46 train services and Budgam station by 19 train services. Regarding the introduction of additional train services, the minister said it was an ongoing process and depended on various operational factors, including line capacity, availability of train paths, rolling stock, supporting infrastructure, maintenance requirements of railway tracks and other assets, as well as passenger occupancy and traffic demand on the section.
3rd-party intervention Centres failure: Karra
Srinagar, Aug 20:Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Karra on Thursday said J&K was, is, and will remain an integral part of India, asserting that any third-party intervention in matters concerning the region would amount to a failure of the Centre. Karra was responding to questions about the visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Srinagar a day earlier and his remarks describing J&K as an important part of India. Whether it is the US ambassador, the US secretary, or any diplomat in the world who says today that J&K is an integral part of India, they haven't said anything out of the ordinary. It has always been an integral part of India and the whole world knows this, Karra told reporters. During a joint media briefing with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday, Gor said J&K was an important part of India and an incredibly beautiful place. He also said the US would reconsider its travel advisories for J&K, citing measures taken by the Centre and the CM Omar-led administration to make the region safer. On whether Gor had attempted to strike a balance by describing J&K as an important part of India rather than explicitly calling it an internal or integral part, Karra attributed the perceived ambiguity to what he called the failed policy of the present government. For quite some time, US intervention in the government of India has been very high. And this happens only because our country has a failed policy today, he said. Karra referred to Operation Sindoor, the Indian military operation launched against Pakistan in May, and alleged that the level of US involvement during the episode demonstrated the extent of Washingtons intervention in matters concerning India. You may recall that during Operation Sindoor, the extent to which there was intervention from the US government... So, what I mean to say is that whatever confusion you have in mind or the people of India have in mind is all due to the failed policy of the present government, he said. On Pakistan summoning the US envoy following Gors remarks, Karra said the move was an internal matter for Islamabad and had no bearing on Indias position. That is the internal matter that they are inviting (summoning) them. Our policy is that J&K is an integral part of India, was an integral part of India, and will remain an integral part of India, he said. Karra said the Congress did not recognise third-party intervention in India-Pakistan matters, reiterating that the partys position had remained consistent on the issue. When it comes to the matter between India and Pakistan, after the Shimla Agreement, if there are any relevant parties, they are India and Pakistan, he said. The Congress does not recognise any third-party intervention because that has been our stated policy ever since. Today, if an intervention takes place anywhere or an offer is made, that is the failed policy of the present dispensation, Karra said. Pakistan on Wednesday summoned US Charg dAffaires Natalie Baker and lodged what it described as a strong demarche over Gors remarks on J&K.
Gors J&K remarks major diplomatic success: BJP
Srinagar, Aug 20:Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Thursday welcomed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gors remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, terming them a major diplomatic achievement for New Delhi and a setback to Pakistans efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue. Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma said Gors statement reaffirmed Indias longstanding position on J&K and reflected the success of the countrys diplomatic efforts. There is no doubt, there is no question that J&K is an integral part of India. Today, if the US Ambassador has said that J&K is an integral part of India, then it is a good thing and, somewhere, it is a major success of Indias diplomacy, Sharma said. The BJP leader alleged that Pakistan had made repeated attempts to create confusion internationally over J&K, but said the US envoys remarks had helped counter such narratives. The world is now clearly acknowledging Indias unwavering position on the matter, Sharma said. J&K BJP chief spokesman Altaf Thakur described Gors maiden visit to J&K and his remarks from Srinagar as a significant diplomatic development and a reflection of Prime Minister NarendraModis foreign policy. Sergio Gors statement that J&K is an important part of India is a major diplomatic achievement for the country and a clear reflection of Prime Minister NarendraModis successful foreign policy. The world is increasingly recognising the ground reality of J&K, and Pakistans propaganda stands exposed, Thakur told reporters here. He said the significance of Gors remarks was enhanced by the ambassadors visit to Srinagar, where he met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and travelled through the city, including taking a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Thakur said the visit demonstrated the changes in J&Ks security and development landscape. Those who once projected Kashmir to the world as a region of perpetual unrest must now answer why a senior American diplomat can visit Srinagar, meet the elected Chief Minister, travel freely and publicly acknowledge J&K as an important part of India. This is the new J&K, he said. The BJP spokesperson also welcomed Gors indication that the US would review its travel advisory for J&K, saying a possible relaxation could boost tourism, investment, and employment opportunities. We wholeheartedly welcome the US Ambassadors decision to look at the travel advisory. J&K is ready to welcome American and international tourists. A review and possible downgrading of the advisory will send a powerful confidence-building message and can open new opportunities for tourism, investment, and employment for our youth, Thakur said. He credited PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with strengthening Indias diplomatic position globally and changing the international narrative surrounding J&K. Thakur said the ambassadors visit and remarks also provided a rebuttal to Pakistans narrative on the region, asserting that J&K was increasingly being recognised internationally for peace, development, and democratic governance. He said the growing international confidence should be leveraged to accelerate tourism, investment, employment, and economic development in J&K. Sergio Gors visit is not merely a diplomatic event; it is a message of confidence in the new J&K. We welcome him to Kashmir and hope that his visit becomes the beginning of a much deeper engagement between J&K and the US in tourism, trade, technology and investment, Thakur said. Gor had, during his visit to Srinagar on Wednesday, described J&K as an important part of India and indicated that Washington periodically reviews its travel advisories, including the one concerning J&K.
Foreign dignitaries J&K visits became curated after 2019: Mehbooba
Srinagar, Aug 20:People's Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said there was no need to take the US so seriously, arguing that US interventions across the world had resulted in destruction and that Washington could not provide a certificate on J&K. Her remarks came a day after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar and held discussions with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. During a joint media briefing on Wednesday, Gor described J&K as an important part of India and an incredibly beautiful place. The US envoy also said Washington would reconsider its travel advisories for J&K in view of steps taken by the Government of India and the CM Omar-led government to make the region safer. About Gors remarks on J&K, Mehbooba said the US should not be accorded undue importance. I think there is no need to take the US so seriously. We have seen that the US has caused destruction everywhere it intervened from Vietnam to Iran, she told reporters. They are not our masters that they will give us a certificate and then only there would be a dialogue. Mehbooba said there was a time when the US enjoyed the status of a global superpower, but claimed its economic and political influence was declining because of its role in conflicts and interventions around the world. Day by day, due to its role and the destruction it has caused worldwide, it is going down economically and politically. So, we should not take it so seriously, she said. The PDP chief also sought to draw a distinction between visits by foreign diplomats to J&K before and after the abrogation of the erstwhile states special status in August 2019. She said visits by US ambassadors to J&K were not new, but claimed diplomats earlier interacted with a much wider cross-section of society. The only difference is that before 2019, any ambassador who came here used to meet people from every section of society like people from tourism, trade, travel and even those who hold other opinions. Then they would go back with their own opinion, Mehbooba said. She alleged that foreign delegations visiting J&K after 2019 were taken on curated tours. They come here, they don't meet anyone other than the chief minister and the governor, and then they take a Shikara ride and leave, she said. However, Mehbooba agreed with CM Omars assertion that solutions to J&Ks problems would have to come from New Delhi rather than Washington. The solutions to the issues of J&K cannot come from the US; New Delhi will have to resolve them, she said. At the same time, she criticised CM Omar for what she described as his failure to use his interaction with the US ambassador to highlight concerns of people in J&K. I was hoping Omar would at least tell the visiting US ambassador about the concerns of the people of J&K, she said. Mehbooba said CM Omar should also have conveyed opposition to US and Israeli actions against Iran. She said that attacks on Iran had killed more than 150 girls as well as members of the countrys leadership and said CM Omar should have raised the issue with the visiting envoy. He should have pointed out that the US' habit of inciting unrest in Muslim countries and launching unprovoked attacks also affects J&K, she said. Turning to the situation within J&K, the PDP president accused the CM of remaining silent on what she described as continuing harassment, arrests, raids, dismissals from government service, and attachment of properties. Mehbooba also alleged that an Imam was assaulted by Army personnel in Karimabad area of Pulwama during an ongoing search operation. Just as I was coming here, I received a message that last night in Karimabad, Pulwama, where a search operation had been ongoing for days, the Army pulled out an Imam, beat him, and pulled his beard, she alleged. She also alleged that young men were being harassed and subjected to physical punishments, including being forced to perform sit-ups. There was no immediate official response to the allegations. Mehbooba said that thousands of people from J&K remained imprisoned, while employees were being dismissed from service and raids and property attachments continued. Thousands of our people remain locked in jails, people are being fired from their jobs on a daily basis, raids are conducted regularly, and properties are actively attached, she said. Mehbooba alleged that these measures had created a suffocating atmosphere in J&K where people feel they cannot speak openly or even breathe freely. The PDP chief said CM Omar did not need to look towards Washington to raise such issues and could instead engage New Delhi directly. Invoking the tenure of her father and PDP founder Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said he had persuaded the Centre during the AtalBihari Vajpayee-led government to initiate a reconciliation process, which she said resulted in dialogue with different sections and Pakistan and the opening of cross-LoC routes. She said CM Omar should at least press for reopening the Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot routes, where cross-LoC trade has remained suspended. If Omar Sahab cannot do anything else, he could at least advocate for reopening the Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot routes where trade has been completely halted, she said. Mehbooba said the CM should use his position to persuade New Delhi to address the political issues and everyday hardships confronting people in J&K. She also accused CM Omar of further diminishing the authority of the office of the CM. The BJP has reduced the status of our CM from a headmaster to a mere master. But, the way CM Omar operates, issuing statements before even the ambassador had arrived about exactly what he would or wouldn't discuss, lowers his status even further. There was simply no need for that, she said. On Gors statement that the US would consider reviewing its travel advisory for J&K, Mehbooba struck a more positive note and expressed hope that Washington would follow through. She also welcomed the US envoys reference to greater economic engagement with the region, but said such engagement should produce tangible benefits for the local economy. He also mentioned engaging more economically with the region. I hope this means investing in our local horticulture and handicrafts to create jobs and tangible economic benefits; that is an avenue that needs to be explored, Mehbooba said.
