Karnataka govt pauses circular on medicine price disclosure by hospitals
In a significant move, the Karnataka government declared it would not proceed with a disputed circular aimed at mandating hospitals to disclose medicine pricing information. This decision emerged during a High Court review related to the circular's compliance and repercussions. The proposal required hospitals to clearly present procurement costs, MRP, and patient billing in their invoices.
Teacher dies, son critical after vehicle accident In Kotranka Rajouri
Rajouri, Oct 30: A senior teacher died while his son sustained critical injuries after a vehicle met with an accident in Jaglanoo area of Kotranka sub-division in Rajouri district on Friday evening. Officials told GNS that the accident occurred when a Tata Mobile bearing registration number JK06B-2633 carrying grass was on its way home. In the accident, Sh. Mohd Amin, Senior Teacher and Head of Institution, Middle School Madhar, lost his life on the spot, while his son Mohd Ashaiq S/o Mohd Amin sustained critical injuries. The injured has been shifted to a nearby hospital where his condition is stated to be critical. Meanwhile police have taken cognizance of the incident.
MCA clarifies role in NCLT appointments after Supreme Court flags interference
New Delhi, Oct 30: In the light of certain news reports concerning personnel matters relating to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) made by the Supreme Court, the respective roles of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the NCLT may be seen in the context of the distinct responsibilities assigned to them. In a statement issued, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs said the MCA only performs the administrative role in the conduct of the appointment process for the 63 Judicial and Technical Members of the NCLT. The NCLT independently undertakes the process for appointment and management of its officers and staff, including Deputy Registrars, Court Officers, Stenographers, Office Assistants and Multi-Tasking Staff. The Government delegated this responsibility to the NCLT vide notification dated 14 October 2019, with a view to ensuring its effective and independent functioning.
Srinagar, Oct 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and senior officials to review the security scenario in Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Chief Secretary Designate, Dr. Sajjan Singh Yadav; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Chandraker Bharti; Special DG Coordination PHQ, S.J.M.Gillani; ADG CID, M.K. Sinha; Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M Raju; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Govind Jaiswal; IGP Kashmir, Sujit Singh; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; Range DIGs, DCs, SSPs, and other senior officials. The meeting focused on operational preparedness, security strategies, and future action plans to ensure a peaceful environment in Kashmir Division. The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials for sustained and aggressive action against terror modules. He emphasized tightening counter-infiltration grids and fostering seamless synergy between the District Administration, Jammu Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in executing counter-terror operations. He directed the Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to closely monitor anti-national elements within the administration and prioritize efforts to combat radicalization. The Lieutenant Governor also asked for monthly reviews regarding the attachment of properties belonging to narco-terrorists and the terror-supporting ecosystem. He said the action against narco-terrorists must continue unabated, besides relentless crackdowns on drug smugglers and peddlers, to realize the vision of Drug-free Jammu Kashmir. Emphasizing the swift resolution of public grievances, the Lieutenant Governor stated that fostering a strong connection between citizens, police, and the administration is of paramount importance. Under no circumstances should communal harmony and the law & order situation be allowed to deteriorate. We must institutionalize best practices and implement District Convergence Plans to ensure sustainable peace and development, the Lieutenant Governor said. He called for setting up district-level social media cells to swiftly counter misinformation. In view of the winter season, the Lieutenant Governor directed the administration to ensure adequate stock and availability of essential commodities and robust snow-clearance mechanisms. The meeting also reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects across Kashmir Division.
TRAI releases draft guidelines on responsible AI use in telecom networks, services
New Delhi, Oct 30: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released draft Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services for stakeholders comments. In February 2026, the Government of India released the India AI Governance Guidelines with the goal to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for inclusive development and global competitiveness, while addressing risks it may pose to individuals and society. The guidelines are anchored in seven guiding sutras or principles Trust is the Foundation, People First, Innovation over Restraint, Fairness & Equity, Accountability, Understandable by Design, and Safety, Resilience & Sustainability. Part 4 of the guidelines provides practical guidance for industry actors and regulators to increase clarity, predictability and accountability in the ecosystem. The telecommunication sector constitutes a significant part of Indias digital infrastructure. Today, the telecommunication sector supports connectivity for the public, delivery of public and essential e-services, conduct of trade and commerce, and secure and resilient functioning of the countrys critical information infrastructure. It is critical not only for social, economic and commercial activities but also for national security and emergency response in the country. At present, AI is increasingly being integrated into telecommunication networks and provision of telecommunication services. With a view to ensuring consistent and responsible implementation of the India AI Governance Guidelines in the telecommunication sector, and to increase clarity, predictability and accountability in the ecosystem, TRAI has decided to frame guidelines on responsible use of AI in telecommunication networks and provision of telecommunication services after following stakeholders consultation. In this regard, a draft of the Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services has been placed on TRAIs website (www.trai.gov.in) for seeking inputs from stakeholders. Written comments on the draft guidelines are invited from stakeholders by 27.11.2026 The comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing), TRAI, at advmn@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/ information, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-20907758.
PG doctors across J&K warn of peaceful protest from November 12 over stipend demand
Uttar Pradesh, Oct 30: In a major crackdown on illicit synthetic drug manufacturing in the country, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a big clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory operating in a remote village in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. The operation led to the massive seizure of approximately 1,100 kg drugs and precursor chemicals, along with manufacturing equipment. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case. Acting on specific intelligence, a large team of DRI officers, with operational assistance from UP ATS, launched a coordinated operation at the suspected premises in the early hours of 29th October 2026. The search of the premises revealed a well-established and functional laboratory for the manufacture of synthetic drugs, resulting into huge seizure of approximately 184 kg semi-prepared drugs, along with around 582 kg precursor chemicals and associated equipment used in the manufacturing process. In swift follow-up action, searches at the residential premises of the accused led to the recovery of around 15.4 kg finished methaqualone, along with around 153 kg chemicals and a machine used in the manufacturing process. A further search at the premises of another accused resulted in another huge seizure of around 168 kg precursor chemicals. Two persons associated with the clandestine manufacturing facility were arrested under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985. The recovery of huge quantities of finished drugs, semi-prepared material, precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment indicates the existence of an organised illicit drug manufacturing operation. The operation has dealt a significant blow to the illicit drug manufacturing ecosystem by dismantling a large clandestine production facility, removing substantial quantities of drugs and precursor chemicals from the illicit supply chain, and preventing the manufacture of further quantities of synthetic drugs. DRI remains committed to dismantling clandestine drug manufacturing networks, disrupting the supply chains that sustain illicit drug production, to combat the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar chairs meeting at Civil Secretariat Srinagar
Centre mandates minimum one-year residual shelf life for drug imports
The Health Ministry has replaced the 60 per cent residual shelf-life requirement with a fixed 12-month minimum for most imported drugs, aiming to ease imports and reduce wastage
Decline in J&K violence welcome, but lasting peace needs justice: Mirwaiz Farooq
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SPF 30 vs SPF 50 In Winters: A Dermatologist Explains What Indian Skin Needs
SPF 30 vs SPF 50: what is enough in winter for Indian skin? A dermatologist explains PA ratings, who needs SPF 50, and why how much you apply matters most.
LG Manoj Sinha chairs security review meeting with DCs, SSPs
Watery Eyes in Cold Wind: Dry Eye or Allergy?
Have you ever had watery eyes when you are out and a cold wind is blowing? While this is a classic symptom of dry eye, an allergy is another possible cause. If you experience this and dont know the right way forward, here are some helpful insights from eye specialists.
TRAI assesses mobile network quality across Leh, nearby areas route under J&K LSA during August 2026
New Delhi, Oct 30: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released findings of Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted across Leh and nearby areas route under J&K LSA, during the month of August 2026, for information of general telecom consumers. The purpose of this drive test is to assess and verify real time quality of mobile network services (both voice & data) provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). During the IDT, TRAI captures performance of TSPs for key Quality of Service (QoS) parameters like Coverage, Call Drop Rate (CDR), Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), data Download (DL) and Upload (UL) throughput etc., which are then published to inform Consumers and encourage TSPs to improve their services. These IDTs have been designed to capture on ground mobile network performance of all TSPs across diverse usages environment like cities, hotspots, public transport hubs, etc. In this type of drive testing, live data and voice sessions are established using SIM cards from all TSPs over 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks. Multiple advanced test handsets are used, and the sessions are monitored and analyzed in real-time using advanced Software Systems. TRAI, through its appointed agency, conducted drive tests across City drive 62.6 Km, Hotspot locations - 07, Walk Test - 1.1 Km, Inter Operator Calling at 01 location and on Highway drive - 396.3 Km during 17th Aug 2026 to 21st Aug 2026 in J&K LSA. These tests were conducted under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office Delhi. The observations presented in drive test reports represent the performance of the TSPs on the area / route under test on the day / time of conducting the drive test. Drive Test Route Map: The following map provides overview of drive test routes indicating City drive, Inter-operator calling, Hotspots, Walk test & Highways drive as per the legends shown on the map: - Key Parameters Assessed Coverage Gap: Percentage of samples, for which signal strength observed less than the minimum prescribed signal strength for respective technology (2G/ 3G/ 4G/ 5G). Voice Services: Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Call Setup Time, Call Silence Rate, Speech Quality (MOS). Call Silence Instance: Number of call silence instances occurred during the calls. Data Services: Download / Upload Throughput, Latency, Jitter, Packet Drop Rate. The overall mobile network performance in Leh, Nubra Valley and Pangong areas route for the key parameters has been summarized below: - Coverage Gap - The signal strength observed during voice testing on the drive test route in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), measured as the number of samples having poor signal strength out of the total samples collected, was 583/9318 for Airtel, 966/8977 for BSNL & 770/8371 for RJIL. Details of the coverage gaps have been provided in the map of Annexure-I. Dropped Calls - Dropped calls in auto-selection mode (5G/ 4G/ 3G/ 2G), measured as the number of dropped calls out of the number of successfully established calls, were 0/83 for Airtel, 5/77 for BSNL & 1/76 for RJIL. Details of the dropped call locations have been provided in the map of Annexure-I. Call Silence Instance - Call silence instances in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G), measured as the total number of silence instances observed for > 3 seconds out of the total calls established, were 2/75 for Airtel, 2/75 for BSNL & 1/72 for RJIL. Details of the call silence instance locations have been provided in the map of Annexure-I. Data Download and Upload Throughput: Data Download performance (Overall): Average download speed was observed as 121.65 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 8.00 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 267.13 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Detail of Download throughput has been provided in the map of Annexure-I. Data Upload performance (Overall): Average upload speed was observed as 22.13 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 4.87 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 21.20 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Details of Upload throughput have been provided in the map of Annexure-I. Locations of Dropped Calls and Call Silence instances can be seen by clicking red dot on the map of Annexure-I. The overall mobile network performance on Leh to Nubra Valley highway route for the key parameters has been summarized below: - Coverage Gap - The signal strength observed during voice testing on the drive test route in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), measured as the number of samples having poor signal strength out of the total samples collected, was 4040/11146 for Airtel, 3361/11313 for BSNL & 3530/9209 for RJIL. Dropped Calls - Dropped calls in auto-selection mode (5G/ 4G/ 3G/ 2G), measured as the number of dropped calls out of the number of successfully established calls, were 12/108 for Airtel, 13/95 for BSNL & 4/85 for RJIL. Call Silence Instance - Call silence instances in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G), measured as the total number of silence instances observed for > 3 seconds out of the total calls established, were 14/91 for Airtel, 6/71 for BSNL & 16/78 for RJIL. Data Download and Upload Throughput: Data Download performance (Overall): Average download speed was observed as 109.57 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 16.39 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 122.16 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Data Upload performance (Overall): Average upload speed was observed as 14.21 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 7.81 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 12.02 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Locations of Dropped Calls and Call Silence instances can be seen by clicking red dot on the map of Annexure-II. The overall mobile network performance on Nubra Valley to Pangong highway route for the key parameters has been summarized below: - Coverage Gap - The signal strength observed during voice testing on the drive test route in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), measured as the number of samples having poor signal strength out of the total samples collected, was 4950/12272 for Airtel, 3203/12041 for BSNL & 5105/9930 for RJIL. Dropped Calls - Dropped calls in auto-selection mode (5G/ 4G/ 3G/ 2G), measured as the number of dropped calls out of the number of successfully established calls, were 11/67 for Airtel, 17/64 for BSNL & 16/60 for RJIL. Call Silence Instance - Call silence instances in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G), measured as the total number of silence instances observed for > 3 seconds out of the total calls established, were 18/66 for Airtel, 16/59 for BSNL & 24/52 for RJIL. Data Download and Upload Throughput: Data Download performance (Overall): Average download speed was observed as 80.59 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 8.86 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 44.48 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Data Upload performance (Overall): Average upload speed was observed as 14.69 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 3.51 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 3.94 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Locations of Dropped Calls and Call Silence instances can be seen by clicking red dot on the map of Annexure-III. The overall mobile network performance on Sakti to Sangam highway for the key parameters has been summarized below: - Coverage Gap - The signal strength observed during voice testing on the drive test route in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), measured as the number of samples having poor signal strength out of the total samples collected, was 800/6295 for Airtel, 2140/6252 for BSNL & 893/5597 for RJIL. Dropped Calls - Dropped calls in auto-selection mode (5G/ 4G/ 3G/ 2G), measured as the number of dropped calls out of the number of successfully established calls, were 1/32 for Airtel, 5/27 for BSNL & 2/30 for RJIL. Call Silence Instance - Call silence instances in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G), measured as the total number of silence instances observed for > 3 seconds out of the total calls established, were 2/31 for Airtel, 15/26 for BSNL & 5/30 for RJIL. d) Data Download and Upload Throughput: Data Download performance (Overall): Average download speed was observed as 96.97 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 6.00 Mbps for BSNL (4G), and 203.25 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Data Upload performance (Overall): Average upload speed was observed as 14.67 Mbps for Airtel (5G), 4.14 Mbps for BSNL (4G) & 18.84 Mbps for RJIL (5G). Details of drive test route and area covered during the IDT are as below: - City - The areas covered in the city drive are Lakjung, Tsati, Yurtung, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh Palace, Sankar Gompa, Leh, Choglamsar and Spituk etc. under Leh and nearby areas. Highway - The area covered in the highway route are Leh to Nubra Valley via Power House, View Point Khadungla road, South Pullu, Shiv Shankar Temple, North Pullu, Khardung Viewpoint, Khalsar and Diskit etc., Nubra Valley to Pangong via Tsati, Agham, Sakti, Zingral, Tsoltak, Tangtse, Muglib, Spangmik and Pangong beach etc. & Sakti to Sangam via Chemrey, Karu, Thiksey, Shey, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Indus Viewpoint and Sangam Point Leh Ladakh etc. Hotspot - The hotspot locations, capturing stationary user experience are Army Hospital Hundar, Artisan Bazaar, EJM College, Gurudwara Sri Pathar Sahib, Leh Airport, Leh Market & SNM Hospital. d) Walk Test - The walk test conducted on 17th Aug 2026, covered Leh Market capturing mobile network behaviors in crowded pedestrian environments. The findings of this IDT report have been shared with respective TSPs for taking further necessary action at their end. Detailed reports of IDT are made available on the TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. For any clarification or additional information, an email can be sent to adv.ca@trai.gov.in or Regional Office of TRAI at Delhi RO can be contacted on Telephone No. +91-11-20907772.
Decline in violence in J&K welcome, but lasting peace requires justice: Mirwaiz Farooq
Srinagar, Oct 30: Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Friday that the decline in violence in the valley is welcome, but lasting peace requires justice, reconciliation and restoration of public trust. Addressing the Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here, Farooq referred to the recently released International Crisis Group report on Jammu and Kashmir. The report says that militancy, street protests and violence have declined in recent years, which everyone welcomes, as no one understands the value of peace more than the people of Kashmir, who have suffered enormously over the past several decades, he said. However, he said the report also makes a fundamental point that reduction in violence does not necessarily mean that underlying political grievances have been resolved, or that public confidence has been restored. Security is necessary, and the government has a responsibility to protect lives. But security measures alone cannot provide a lasting answer to a problem that also has deep political and human dimensions, Farooq said. He asserted that Kashmir remains one of the most militarised places on earth. One of the most disturbing aspects highlighted in the report is the scale of arrests and detentions since 2019. According to the Union Home Ministry's own figures, 3,662 people were arrested under UAPA in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 and 2023, while only 23 convictions were recorded during that period. These figures raise serious questions about prolonged detention, due process and the widespread use of stringent laws, he said. Mirwaiz said thousands of families suffer the consequences of arrests, detentions and prolonged legal proceedings and they continue to live with uncertainty about the future of their loved ones. Referring to the detention of Kashmiri political prisoners, including Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Shahid Ul Islam, Engineer Rashid, Asiya Andrabi, and Masrat Alam, he said their incarceration emains a matter of concern. We have repeatedly appealed for their release, review of their cases and humanitarian consideration towards elderly and ailing prisoners. I reiterate that appeal today, he said. Farooq said justice and compassion cannot be separated from the pursuit of peace. The report also raises concerns about restrictions on political and civic activities, the shrinking space for peaceful expression, curbs on free reporting and a growing feeling of alienation. These are concerns that should not be brushed aside, he said. Farooq asked that if the situation has improved, should it not also be an opportunity to ease restrictions, review detentions, restore civil liberties and create an environment in which people can express their views and grievances peacefully? Peace cannot simply be measured by the absence of protests. The report calls for the restoration of statehood, meaningful powers for the elected government, a review of stringent anti-terror laws and renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan. These are important recommendations that deserve serious consideration, he said. The former separatist leader said our consistent position has been that the Kashmir issue cannot be addressed through a security approach alone. He said, Political issues require political engagement, and longstanding grievances require sincere efforts at reconciliation. While governments have their own security concerns and responsibilities, but, the concerns and aspirations of the people are equally important and must find a place in any meaningful process towards peace, he said. Apparently referring to the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor last year, he said the events once again demonstrated the dangers of confrontation between India and Pakistan. We have always maintained that dialogue, rather than confrontation, remains the most responsible way forward. I raise these issues not in a spirit of confrontation, but out of genuine concern for the future of our people. If meaningful progress has been made in improving security, the next step should be to build upon it through reconciliation, release and review of political prisoners, restoration of civil liberties and sincere political engagement, he said. The real measure of peace is not merely how much violence has declined, but how much trust has been restored. That is the message we should take from this report, Kashmir's chief cleric added.
Air India, AI Express extend cancellation of Saudi Arabia flights till Nov 14
New Delhi, Oct 30: Air India and Air India Express on Friday announced extending the cancellation of their flights connecting Saudi Arabian cities till November 14 due to the prevailing situation in the region. Last week, the two airlines cancelled the services to Riyadh and Dammam till November 7 and the flight to Jeddah till October 31. IndiGo and Akasa Air have also cancelled their flights to Saudi Arabia. In recent times, geopolitical tensions have escalated in West Asia, and infrastructure facilities in Saudi Arabia, including airports, have come under attack. Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until 14 November 2026 (inclusive), Air India said in a post on X. Passengers with confirmed bookings issued on or before October 30 for travel up to November 14 can avail a one-time complimentary rebooking, subject to availability, for travel up to November 29. They can also opt for a full refund upon cancellation of their bookings. Air India guests may rebook to or from any operational Air India station in Saudi Arabia, while Air India Express guests may rebook to or from any operational Air India Express station in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, the post said. IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah till November 14, while Akasa Air has cancelled services connecting Riyadh till November 30 and Jeddah till November 10.
SC dismisses NIA's plea challenging bail granted to JK activist Khuram Parvez in UAPA case
New Delhi, Oct 30: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) challenging the bail granted to human rights activist Khuram Parvez from Jammu and Kashmir in a case under the anti-terror law. Parvez, programme coordinator of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society and chairperson of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances, was arrested by the NIA on November 22, 2021. The NIA had alleged that under the guise of human-rights activism, Parvez conspired with a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative to run a network of overground workers for furthering the activities of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation and committing terror acts in India. Parvez has denied the allegations. The Delhi High Court had on June 10 granted him bail in the case. The NIA's plea challenging the high court verdict came up for hearing on Friday before a bench of justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale. The bench refused to interfere with the high court judgment. In its verdict, the high court had taken note of Parvez's over-four-year incarceration in the case and the unlikelihood of the trial concluding soon to hold that his rights under Article 21 of the Constitution trumped the restriction on bail under section 43D(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The high court had further observed that having lost his leg in a landmine blast in 2004, the accused was infirm and deserves special consideration. It had set aside a trial court's December 2024 order rejecting Parvez's bail plea. The NIA alleged that Parvez was actively involved in collecting information regarding the movement of Army vehicles near the Line of Control, road conditions and details of Army camps, structures of the Army, paramilitary and police etc. The NIA has listed Parvez in a charge-sheet for several alleged offences, including under sections 13 (punishment for unlawful activities), 18 (punishment for conspiracy etc.), 18B (punishment for recruiting of any person or persons for terrorist act), 38 (offence relating to membership of a terrorist organisation) and 39 (offence relating to support given to a terrorist organisation) of the UAPA and other sections under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code. Parvez's counsel had contended before the high court that mere statements against him without conclusive evidence did not make out a prima-facie case under the UAPA. The lawyer had submitted that information regarding Army structures etc was collated and published in 2015 in a report, which was a legitimate human-rights documentation in public interest and most of the information was collected through RTI.
J&K Tourism delivers impactful presentation at B2B networking dinner of IITM Mumbai
Mumbai: IITM Mumbai 2026 commenced with an innovative B2B Networking Evening at the Club Mumbai in which an impactful presentation was delivered by Waseem Raja joint director tourism kashmir and Vivek Puri CEO Surinsar Mansar Development Authority,J&K Tourism. The evening provided an excellent platform for meaningful B2B interactions, with participating officers from J&K Tourism and tourism stakeholders showcasing their products and offerings. The J&K Tourism presentation highlighted not only the established and off beat destinations, but also the recently organized events like the successfully conducted kashmir marathon. The presentation generated considerable interest among travel trade professionals, with numerous queries, suggestions, and valuable inputs received from participants. The visiting J&K Tourism officials actively addressed their queries, provided relevant information, and highlighted the diverse tourism experiences, destinations and business opportunities available in Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative added a distinctive dimension to the networking evening, strengthening engagement with the travel trade and opening avenues for enhanced collaboration and promotion of Jammu & Kashmir as a leading tourism destination.
New Delhi, Oct 30: Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare will be conducting the 5th Nation-wide Digital Life Certificate campaign in 2000 cities/districts across India from November 1-30, 2026. The department has notified the guidelines through O.M. dated 13th August, 2026. This is the biggest-ever DLC Campaign undertaken. A Whole of Government approach will be adopted through coordination with Pension Disbursing Banks, India Post Payments Bank, Pensioners Welfare Associations, CGDA, DoT, Railways, EPFO, State Governments, UIDAI & MeitY with the objective of reaching pensioners in the remotest corners of the country. The focus is majorly on promoting Face Authentication Technology. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and UIDAI will provide technical support during this Campaign. Face Authentication for Digital Life Certificate is a seamless and fast mode for DLC generation which can be used on Android as well as iOS, making it easy and convenient for elderly Pensioners. DD, AIR and PIB teams are actively geared up to provide full support to this campaign for Audio, Visual and Print publicity. Outreach efforts will be further complemented by SMSs, tweets (#DLCCampaign5), Jingles and Short films to spread awareness about the campaign. The Campaign will be conducted in an Utsav mode by offering a bouquet of services such as such as Health Check-ups, Aadhar updation for pensioners. Doorstep services will be provided to pensioners where required. Grievance officers will handle grievances regarding DLCs with an immediate resolution approach. The campaign will be monitored by senior officials from DoPPW who will carry out on-ground reviews in identified states. Mega Camps will be held by stakeholders in areas having high concentration of pensioners and these Mega Camps will be attended by senior officials from DPPW.
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Is It Safe to Work Out During IVF? Here Is What Fertility Experts Have To Say
Can you continue going to the gym while undergoing IVF? Two fertility doctors explain safe exercises, what to avoid at each stage, and warning signs that need urgent care.
As a measles outbreak hits Pennsylvania Amish country, more show openness to vaccines
Lancaster County in Pennsylvania has been the epicenter of the nation's worst measles outbreak in 35 years
KU professor honoured with Pharma Ratna Recognition award by PCI
Srinagar, Oct 30: Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), an apex statutory body which regulates pharmacy education and research in India, has awarded Prof. Geer Mohammad Ishaq, working as a senior Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Kashmir with Pharma Ratna Recognition Award in recognition of his distinguished services, exceptional dedication, and outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacy education and research. A citation received by Prof. Geer from the Pharmacy Council of India in this regard reads that in honour of your exemplary impact on the student community and the profession, the Council is privileged to bestow upon you the prestigious Pharma Ratna Recognition Award. This award was presented to Prof. Geer Mohammad Ishaq by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) at a glittering felicitation function held on Tuesday, 27th October 2026 at the headquarters of Pharmacy Council of India Office, New Delhi. A select group of highly acclaimed and accomplished senior academicians and researchers from all parts of India have been bestowed with this rare honour in recognition of their meritorious services, significant contributions and remarkable achievements in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Prof. Geer is one among them from the valley of Kashmir who has been chosen for this prestigious award after thorough screening and deliberations by the apex committee of PCI. Prof. Geer Mohammad Ishaq is a senior faculty member at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir with more than twenty five years of teaching and research experience. Additionally he has earlier served as Director, Centre for Career Planning and Counseling; Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning and Skill Development and as Coordinator, UGC-Human Resource Development Centre of the University of Kashmir. In these capacities he has organised several faculty development programmes, placement drives, counselling and coaching programmes. Prof has delivered more than 200 extension lectures outside his department besides having more than 175 publications including original papers, review articles and popular science articles. His research team has won six best research paper awards and he has chaired more than 40 technical sessions at various conferences and seminars and has reviewed more than 60 research articles for peer reviewed international journals of repute. Prof. Geer has formulated several policy papers for higher education and healthcare system. Earlier he has received Distinguished/Eminent /BestTeacher Awards from SPSR, APP, Pharmalok besides Pharma Ratna Recognition Award from the Pharmacy Council of India.
India has exported the first-ever shipment of GI-tagged Tandur Redgram to Australia, marking a major milestone for Telangana's traditional tur dal variety.
Max Healthcare to add 209 beds with Rs 415 crore capex; Q2 network profit rises 10% to Rs 448 crore
Max Healthcare has approved a significant capital expenditure to expand bed capacity at its hospitals. The investments include adding 209 beds at three different locations to meet healthcare demands. BLK-Max Hospital will also feature a new multi-level parking tower as part of the expansion. In addition, the network's operational bed capacity has increased substantially over the past year. This expansion reflects the growing need for quality healthcare services across India.
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Why Do Some People Sleep Instantly and Some Struggle? Here Is What A Doctor Explains
Why do some people sleep instantly while others struggle? A doctor explains sleep pressure, stress, body clock and light, plus when falling asleep fast is a warning sign.
Meet Shannon Hoffman, the conservationist saving Africas bone-eating vultures
Tarigami seeks probe, removal of Chief Election Commissioner over SIR
Wild Burmese python lays eggs containing twin and triplet embryos in Florida
Scientists discover silk traces on 101 ancient objects in China, uncover clues to ancient rituals
Australias stingless bees may help fight antibiotic resistance
Protest against liquor policy suspended after Ladakh admin agrees to all demands: Wangchuk
Leh, Oct 30: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said the protest against the new liquor policy in Ladakh was suspended after the administration agreed to all demands and sought a week's time to formalise the agreement. Women-led protests began last week in Ladakh, driven by a newly introduced liquor policy, demanding a complete rollback of the policy and for Ladakh to be declared a dry Union territory. Ladakh women leaders suspend their protest against liquor. After the UT administration agreed to all demands and sought a week to finalise the agreement. Let's hope that their trust and faith in the system will be respected, Wangchuk said on X on Thursday. The four organisations on Thursday suspended their dharna planned from October 29 to November 5 following a written assurance from the UT administration. The assurance was conveyed through a letter issued by the Home Department on October 29, signed by Special Secretary Tashi Dolma, accepting in principle all the points and recommendations submitted by the organisations on the liquor policy. The Ladakh Buddhist Association Women Wing, Anjuman-e-Imamia Women Wing, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam Women Wing and Christian Community Women Wing have objected to the liquor policy. In a press release, the organisations said the UT administration has sought a week's time to finalise the agreement in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation. Respecting the request, the women's organisations have agreed to temporarily suspend their dharna, giving the administration an opportunity to fulfil its commitment and formalise the agreed points in writing, it added. The organisations said the suspension of the protest should be seen as an expression of their faith in the administration's assurance and thanked the people of Ladakh for their overwhelming support. The protest was launched against the expansion of liquor availability, including the issuance of recent bar licences and wine shops. The organisations have been demanding measures to safeguard the future of youth, protect the social fabric and preserve Ladakh's cultural and spiritual values. The organisations reiterated their long-term commitment towards a healthier and alcohol-addiction-free Ladakh.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur says cabinet expansion has not gone down well with several NC MLAs
Kashmir's diyas take shape ahead of Diwali
In the heart of Ishber, Nishat, Srinagar, Umar Kumar is keeping the age-old tradition of pottery alive by crafting traditional earthen diyas with his hands. With simple tools and years of experience, he carefully shapes clay into beautiful lamps, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. As the festive season approaches, these handmade diyas remind us of the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of preserving our age-old art. Despite changing times and modern alternatives, artisans like Umar Kumar continue to keep this traditional craft alive Report: Mubashir Khan
J&K police in Shopian bust jail-linked terror fund-raising module, 10 arrested
Shopian, Oct 30: Police in south Kashmirs Shopian district have arrested 10 people for allegedly raising funds to finance militant activities linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF), a police statement said on Friday. The arrests followed an investigation into suspected financial networks linked to militant activities. Police analysed suspicious online transactions conducted through various payment platforms and traced money trails across multiple layers, the statement said. The investigation revealed a wider network of individuals allegedly involved in terror financing and linked to militants and their associates lodged in different jails across the union territory, police said. Ten people have so far been arrested in connection with the case. A first information report (FIR No. 231/2026) has been registered at Shopian police station under relevant sections of law, the statement said. The arrested persons were identified as Owais Shafi Naikoo, son of Mohammad Shafi Naikoo of Saidpora Bala, Shopian; Tajamul Ahmad Shah, son of Ab. Rashid Shah of Rawalpora, Shopian; Moiz Iqbal, son of Mohammad Iqbal Hajam, and Imdad Yousuf Ganie, son of Mohd Yousuf Ganie, both residents of Chitragam Kalan. The others were identified as Saqib Zahoor Wani, son of Zahoor Ahmad Wani, and Liyaqat Nazir Lone, son of Nazir Ahmad Lone, both residents of Murran, Pulwama; Aamir Ahmad Ganie, son of Gh Nabi Ganie of Armolah, Pulwama; Firdous Thokar, son of Gh Qadir Thokar of Nadigund, Trenz; and Mohd Hanief, son of Kaju Sheru, and Kaju, son of Haji Sheeru, both residents of Check Haria, Kathua, police said. Initial investigations indicated that the accused were allegedly collecting money clandestinely from the public and channelling it through established financial networks to support the activities of LeT and TRF, police said. The funds were also allegedly being used to provide logistical support, including smartphones, to facilitate militant activities, the statement said. Further investigations are under way to establish additional financial links, identify other people involved in the network and determine its wider reach. More arrests are expected, police said. Police said the operation was part of efforts, in coordination with other security agencies, to dismantle networks supporting militancy and disrupt unlawful financial channels across Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, Oct 30: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed ur Rehman Para on Friday flagged a potential revenue loss of Rs 1,000 crore to Jammu and Kashmir after the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh struck down provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010, relating to water usage charges on hydropower projects. Reacting to the court ruling, Para said the High Court had quashed the demand notices dating back to 2010, raising questions over the administration's handling of the case. Pertinantly, the High Court, in its ruling, held that the levy of water usage charges on hydropower projects amounted to a tax on electricity generation, a subject beyond the legislative competence of the erstwhile J&K legislature. It declared the relevant provisions of the 2010 Act ultra vires the Constitution and quashed the consequential demand notices. MLA Pulwama further questioned the absence of an Advocate General for nearly two years and pointed out that the Law Department was under the Chief Minister, expressing concern over the administration's legal preparedness to defend Jammu and Kashmir's interests. If this is how we defend our interests, what hope is there for the statehood case? Para asked in a post on X.
What fault have our people committed? Sakina Itoo questions prolonged convoy halts
Srinagar, Oct 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakina Itoo on Friday questioned why ordinary citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have to wait for hours for convoy movement, asking, What fault have our people committed to endure such hardships? While travelling frequently on the SrinagarAnantnagKulgamQazigund National Highway, it is deeply distressing to see ambulances stranded, students missing classes and ordinary citizens waiting 1530 minutes, sometimes even hours, for convoy movement, the minister said in a post on X. Security is paramount, Itoo said, but so is the well-being of the people. She said security and compassion must go hand in hand. Let governance be reflected not just in policies, but in the everyday lives of citizens through dignity, sensitivity and meaningful relief, she added. Itoo urged LG Manoj Sinha and other concerned authorities to explore practical traffic management measures that uphold essential security protocols while ensuring uninterrupted passage for ambulances and minimising public inconvenience.
India says AI, maritime security key priorities for its UNSC candidature for 202829
United Nations, Oct 30: Maritime security and Artificial Intelligence will be key priorities for India during its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term, India's envoy to the UN has said. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said on Thursday that technology must make shared maritime commons safer, not more contested. Oceans are the arteries of global commerce, connecting economies, sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food and energy security. Their safety and security are indispensable to international peace and prosperity, Parvathaneni said. Addressing the high-level open debate on Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security: Implications for Peace and Security at the Security Council, India has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security as important priorities for its candidature to the Security Council for 20282029. Parvathaneni said that emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming the maritime domain. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, satellite-based surveillance and advanced cyber capabilities offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen maritime security. Equally, their misuse presents new challenges that demand our collective attention, he said. Our objective is clear: technology must strengthen human security, not undermine it; it must expand opportunity, not inequality; and it must make our shared maritime commons safer, not more contested. India stands ready to work with all partners towards this objective, he said. India stressed that technological advances must not deepen existing disparities. Developing countries require access to technology, training and institutional capabilities to secure their maritime infrastructure and participate meaningfully in shaping technological governance, Parvathaneni said. New Delhi has announced its candidature for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council for the 2028-29 term, elections for which will be conducted in June next year, when India and Tajikistan will compete for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group category. Parvathaneni underscored the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and maritime commerce, saying recent attacks against commercial shipping have demonstrated how disruptions at critical maritime chokepoints can have consequences far beyond their immediate geography. They threaten seafarers, disrupt supply chains and disproportionately affect developing countries through higher costs and economic uncertainty, he said, reiterating Indias strong condemnation of attacks against commercial vessels. He said Delhi reiterates the importance of freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and the safety of seafarers, in accordance with international law. Highlighting the need to harness technology to strengthen maritime security, Parvathaneni said AI-enabled analysis of satellite imagery, radar and vessel-tracking data can improve maritime domain awareness, detect suspicious activities and support search and rescue operations. In this context, India's Information Fusion CentreIndian Ocean Region, located near New Delhi, demonstrates the value of cooperation and information-sharing in strengthening maritime security. Our approach is guided by the vision of SAGAR Security and Growth for All in the Region and the broader commitment to inclusive maritime cooperation, he said. Calling on the international community to address emerging technological vulnerabilities, he said increasing digitalisation and automation also expose ports, vessels, communication networks and undersea infrastructure to cyber threats. The proliferation of autonomous systems raises complex questions of attribution, accountability and unintended escalation. We must therefore ensure appropriate safeguards, meaningful human oversight and clear responsibility in the deployment of emerging technologies, he said. India emphasised that the UN Charter and international law, including the law of the sea as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provide the essential framework for State conduct. India also called for strengthening international cooperation while respecting institutional mandates, saying the work of the International Maritime Organisation and other relevant institutions must be reinforced, not duplicated. The Security Council should focus on technological developments with demonstrable implications for international peace and security, encouraging practical cooperation, confidence-building and resilience, Parvathaneni said. The debate was held under Greeces Presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had co-chaired an event AI in the Context of International Peace & Security, with an Emphasis on Maritime Security, alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the margins of the high-level UN General Assembly week. Jaishankar had emphasized the need to harness the possibilities offered by AI, anticipate its consequences and mitigate its risks. He had stressed that in the maritime domain, AI can enhance maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, disaster response, identification of suspicious activity and resilience of ports and critical infrastructure.
Enjoy the flavours of West Bengal through this pop-up in Mumbai next week
A collaboration between Bandra eatery Kari Apla and Bengal-based Earth Story Farms, brings family recipes and lesser-known ingredients from the eastern state to the table
Yemen's besieged Taiz in famine, governor says, as 13 killed by Saudi airstrike
Cairo, Oct 29: A Saudi airstrike in western Taiz killed at least 13 people on Thursday, the Houthi-run health ministry said, as local officials said a siege of the Yemeni city by Houthi rebels has pushed residents into famine. The city is in famine, not on the brink of it, Taiz Gov. Nabil Shamsan said in a briefing, adding that he was speaking a mile away from the front line. The Houthis cannot use the siege of Taiz to justify the humanitarian catastrophe they are causing civilians, said Niku Jafarnia, a Yemen researcher for Human Rights Watch. The group said Thursday that the siege, which started in early October, could amount to the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare. Shamsan said the city, which hosts about 1 million people, now receives only a fraction of the water it needs after Houthi forces seized its last outside source. Cooking gas has been blocked entirely, forcing restaurants to close and families to burn wood, while hospitals have nearly run out of oxygen to supply to patients. The World Food Programme said it could not reach over 600,000 people in Taiz who depend on humanitarian aid, and that wheat flour stocks were nearly exhausted. Shamsan said 271 people have been killed and 1,129 wounded since the offensive began earlier this month. Even those who could be rescued, they shell them or hit the ambulance with snipers. We've had to use a civilian car as an ambulance - they hit that too, Shamsan said. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi on Thursday dismissed reports of a siege as Saudi-fabricated claims. As far as food and humanitarian needs are concerned, the way is open, he said in a televised speech on the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, adding that his forces were only cutting off weapons supplies to what he called Saudi-backed militias. The pressure is compounded by people fleeing the fighting elsewhere. Taiz has taken about 124,000 displaced people since August, according to the UN migration agency. Yemen descended into civil war in 2014, when the Houthis seized much of the country's north, including the capital, Sanaa, and forced the internationally recognised government into exile. Taiz has been a focal point of fighting ever since, with government forces holding the city centre while the Houthis control the surrounding roads.
Bombay HC tells Shreya Life to rename antibiotic drug
The Bombay High Court has ordered the removal of Shreya Life Sciences antibiotic trademark Lefoxin Biox from the register, ruling that it was too similar to Glaxo Groups long-established heart drug Lanoxin. The court gave Shreya until December 31 to rebrand and communicate the change, with the new name to take effect from January 1, 2027.
JKEEGA delegation welcomes Power Minister, assures cooperation
Srinagar, Oct 29:A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA), headed by its General Secretary, Er. Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah, warmly welcomed the Power Minister, Ali Mohammad Sagar, and assured him of the Associations full cooperation in working towards the overall betterment of the Power Department. During the interaction, the delegation, as per a statement issued, emphasised its commitment to working in close coordination with the Government to strengthen the power sector, improve operational efficiency, and ensure better electricity services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation highlighted the importance of collective efforts and constructive engagement between the Government and the engineering fraternity to address departmental challenges and achieve sustainable progress. The Power Minister appreciated the delegations positive approach and assured it that all possible support and assistance would be extended from his side for the betterment of the department and the resolution of genuine concerns of the engineering fraternity. The delegation expressed its gratitude to the Minister for his positive response and supportive assurance, reiterating that JKEEGA would continue to work constructively with the Government in the larger interest of the Power Department and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The others who were part of delegation comprised of Er. Fayaz Wani, Er Nisar A Rather ,Er Hur e Yasrab ,Er. Farhan Shah, Er. Tufail Ahmad Khan, Er. Asif Iqbal ,Er. Mubashir Inam, Er Khuram Nazir ,Er Yawar Fayaz bhat and Er. Aamir Masoodi.
DIPR organises Cultural Programme celebrating humour, music in Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 29:The Cultural Unit Kashmir of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, organised a day-long cultural programme, Hansi Ke Rang, Sangeet Ke Sang, at Pt. Bhajan Sopori Auditorium, Srinagar, on Thursday. The programme, as per an official statement, dedicated to humour, music and cultural expression, featured a humorous mushaira and live musical performances by Kohinoor Band. The programme was presided over by Director Information and Public Relations, Mamta Yadav, Joint Director Headquarter Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Deputy Director Information PR Javaid Ahmad Rather, Deputy Director Information (Central) Kashmir Zubair Ahmed, Deputy Director PR Kashmir Mohammad Rafiq Zullah, Cultural Officer Abdul Raqib Bhat, besides other officers, noted artists, writers, poets and scholars, attended the event.
NPPA list brings little relief: No price cut for 25% cancer drugs
Nearly one in four cancer drug packs in the NPPAs revised price list will see no reduction in MRP, even as the overall average cut across 643 packs is 38.22%. Several high-cost patented medicines remain unchanged, prompting patient advocates to question how much relief the trade-margin cap will actually deliver when the new prices take effect on November 9.
GVEI students win Rs 2.5 lakh at Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 for safety innovation
Srinagar, Oct 29: Green Valley Educational Institute, Srinagar, has earned national recognition as its student innovation, Guardian Bridge, emerged as a winning entry at the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025. Developed at the schools Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL), this safety prototype, as per a statement, uses sensors, an Arduino-based system and automated protective panels to help prevent accidents and suicide attempts on bridges. The project was developed by Arhaan Ahmed, Ahmed Ali, Mohd Muntaha and Mannat Jan under the mentorship of Nauf Nissa, ATL In-charge. The students were accompanied by Mearaj Ud Din. The team received a congratulatory communication from the Innovation Cell, AICTE, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and an invitation to the Buildathons Guinness Presentation Event. GVEI congratulates the young innovators and their mentor on this remarkable achievement.
NC Womens Wing congratulates Shamim Firdous on induction into Cabinet
Srinagar, Oct 29: The leaders and office-bearers of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Women's Wing Thursday visited the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to congratulate newly appointed Cabinet Minister Advocate Shamim Firdous on assuming her ministerial portfolio. The delegation, as per a party statement, welcomed her with garlands and conveyed its best wishes. The delegation was led by Er. Sabiya Qadri, Provincial President of the JKNC Women's Wing, Kashmir. The women leaders expressed gratitude to JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for inducting Advocate Shamim Firdous into the Council of Ministers. With her induction, the number of women ministers in the Cabinet has risen to two. Several legislators, public delegations and party representatives also met Shamim Firdous and congratulated her on her new responsibility. Expressing gratitude to the party leadership, the minister said she would endeavour to discharge her responsibilities with honesty, sincerity and dedication, honouring the trust placed in her. She urged Women's Wing office-bearers to further strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level and maintain close coordination with party workers to deepen engagement with the public. Recalling the contributions of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Madar-e-Meherban Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, the minister highlighted their historic role in promoting education and empowering women in Jammu and Kashmir. She noted that, through the vision and sustained efforts of these great leaders, the literacy rate in the region had risen from approximately six per cent to 82 per cent. Shamim Firdous also paid tribute to Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah for her pioneering contributions to women's education, welfare and empowerment. She emphasised the need to carry forward her mission by creating greater opportunities for women and encouraging their participation in public life.
3.6 magnitude earthquake strikes Kulgam in south Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 30: An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 struck Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Friday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake occurred at 1:00:46 am IST at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 33.628 N and longitude 74.922 E, the NCS said. Further details were awaited.
Ali Mohammad Sagar assumes charge, vows time-bound redressal of public grievances
Srinagar, Oct 29:Minister for Revenue, Power Development Department (PDD), Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Disaster Management, Monitoring, Relief and Rehabilitation (DMMR), and Elections, Thursday assumed office. Soon after assuming charge, the Minister, as per an official statement, interacted with several deputations representing different sections of society, who called on him to highlight a range of public issues, developmental concerns and administrative grievances. The deputations apprised him of problems requiring the intervention of the concerned departments and sought appropriate measures for their early resolution. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputations and took note of the issues raised by them. He assured the representatives that the government is committed to addressing the genuine grievances of the people and ensuring that public concerns receive due attention from the concerned authorities. Emphasising the importance of accessible and responsive governance, Ali Mohammad Sagar said that regular interaction with the public is essential for understanding ground-level challenges and identifying practical solutions. He reiterated that the government remains focused on strengthening public service delivery, improving administrative efficiency and ensuring that people do not face unnecessary difficulties in accessing essential services. The Minister stressed the need for close coordination among departments to facilitate the timely resolution of public issues. He observed that effective governance requires a proactive approach, accountability at every level and sustained engagement with citizens to ensure that their concerns are addressed in a fair and transparent manner. The Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that the concerned departments function efficiently and remain responsive to the needs and expectations of the public. He said that matters brought before him by the deputations would be taken up with the relevant authorities for examination and appropriate action, wherever required. Ali Mohammad Sagar reiterated the government's commitment to public welfare and assured the deputations that genuine issues would receive due consideration. He emphasised that constructive engagement between the government and the people would remain an important mechanism for identifying challenges, resolving grievances and strengthening public confidence in the administration. The Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to discharging his responsibilities with dedication and sincerity, with a focus on public welfare, effective governance and the timely redressal of people's problems. The interaction reflected the government's continued emphasis on maintaining direct communication with citizens and ensuring that public grievances are addressed through appropriate administrative mechanisms.
Downtown Heroes FC calls for collective support for Real Kashmir FC
Srinagar, Oct 29: Downtown Heroes Football Club has expressed its unwavering support for Real Kashmir Football Club, describing the club as a source of pride for Jammu & Kashmir and an important symbol of the regions growing footballing aspirations. In a statement issued by the Downtown Heroes FC, the club stated that Real Kashmir FC represents more than just a football team. It embodies the dreams, passion, and determination of Kashmiri footballers and the hopes of thousands of football lovers across the region. Real Kashmir FC is our pride, and we stand with them. Our support is not limited to one club; it is a message of unity with the entire football fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir. When a club representing our region needs support, the football community must come together and stand united, Downtown Heroes Football Club said. The club has appealed to football clubs, players, coaches, officials, academies, and supporters across Jammu & Kashmir to show their support for Real Kashmir FC. As a symbolic gesture, the club has encouraged members of the football fraternity to change their social media display pictures (DPs) to Real Kashmir FC and spread a message of unity and collective support. Downtown Heroes Football Club emphasised that unity among football stakeholders is essential for protecting the interests of the game, encouraging young talent, and strengthening the future of football in Jammu & Kashmir. The club further stated that football is bigger than any individual, institution, or organisation, and that the collective interests of the regions football community should always remain a priority. Concluding its message, Downtown Heroes Football Club reiterated: We stand with Real Kashmir FC. We stand with the football fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir. This is a time for unity, support, and collective strength.
Building boom puts 300,000 people at risk of Himalayan disasters: study
New Delhi, Oct 29: At least 300,000 people in parts of the Himalayan region could be living in areas vulnerable to floods, landslides and other disasters amid a rapid construction boom, a new study has found, the BBC in an article reported. The peer-reviewed study, published in Scientific Reports, found that built-up land in high-risk areas of northern Nepal, south-eastern Tibet and parts of Uttarakhand increased by around 45 per cent between 2016 and 2023. Development in areas particularly threatened by glacial lake floods rose by nearly 78 per cent. The researchers warned that the actual number of people at risk could be considerably higher. The BBC report attributed the growing danger to rapid urbanisation, poorly planned tourism infrastructure and climate change, which is accelerating glacier melt and increasing the risk of devastating floods. C Scott Watson, the studys lead author and a glaciologist at the University of Leeds, warned that development decisions being taken today would shape disaster risks for decades. The report also highlighted concerns over weak enforcement of building regulations in Uttarakhand, where construction has expanded in vulnerable river valleys.
RKFC to face Nagaland United in IFL opener today
Srinagar, Oct 29: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) will take on Nagaland United FC in the opening match of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season at TRC Ground, Srinagar, on Friday (October 30). As per a statement issued, the match will kick off at 6:30 pm and will be played under floodlights. The host club has made the necessary arrangements with support from the administration, particularly the J&K Sports Council, J&K Police and other departments. RKFC will be looking to begin its campaign on a positive note in the league, formerly known as the I-League. The squad comprises local, national and international players, with Ishfaq Ahmad serving as head coach. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ishfaq described Nagaland United FC as a good opponent despite the team's first appearance in the IFL. He said RKFC was ready for the challenge and expressed hope that the home side would secure a favourable result. Arshad Nizam Shawl, owner of Real Kashmir FC, said the club's vision extended beyond football, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people and showcasing local talent. Real Kashmir FC has always stood for something bigger than football. Our vision is to create opportunities for the youth of Kashmir, showcase their extraordinary talent and demonstrate to the world the potential of our people. We want the world to see Kashmir through the lens of football a story of hope, resilience and aspiration. Every match is an opportunity to inspire the next generation and bring people together through sport, Shawl said. The club also expressed gratitude to Secretary Tazayun Mukhtar and the J&K Sports Council for their support and cooperation in facilitating its operations and promoting football in the region. We are thankful to Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, and Tazayun Mukhtar, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, for their encouragement and continued cooperation. Their support is invaluable as we work towards developing football, nurturing young talent and creating greater opportunities for aspiring players across Jammu and Kashmir, Shawl added. RKFC is the only club from Jammu and Kashmir participating in the IFL and has been providing a platform for local footballers to showcase their talent. The club has appealed to football enthusiasts to turn up in large numbers at TRC Ground and support the home team in its opening fixture.
Rajnath Singh offers Indias counter-terrorism expertise to ASEAN partners
New Delhi, Oct 29: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reaffirmed Indias commitment to regional security and the elimination of terrorism in all its forms, offering to share the countrys operational experience in counter-terrorism with ASEAN partners. Addressing the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, Rajnath Singh said Indias counter-terrorism expertise had been gained through decades of confronting complex cross-border security challenges. He said Indias approach had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, when the country dismantled terrorist infrastructure and enforced a firm red line against state-sponsored terrorism. Emphasising that terrorism knows no borders, Rajnath Singh said India was ready to strengthen cooperation through joint exercises, capacity-building programmes and intelligence sharing. India and Malaysia are co-chairing the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024-2027 cycle.The Defence Minister reiterated Indias commitment to ASEAN centrality and a secure, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. He said Indias engagement with ASEAN was rooted in shared interests, mutual respect and practical cooperation. Highlighting maritime security as a key area of cooperation, Rajnath Singh referred to 2026 being designated the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and the conduct of the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise. He said the Indian Navy had maintained an uninterrupted presence in volatile maritime corridors such as the Gulf of Aden since 2008. Indian warships had escorted thousands of merchant vessels and thwarted numerous hijacking attempts, extending protection to commercial shipping irrespective of flag or nationality, he added. Rajnath Singh said India would continue to act as a reliable net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of freedom of navigation, international maritime law and the protection of global shipping routes. He underlined that Indias support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation and overflight was aimed at protecting the collective interests of regional stakeholders, rather than targeting any country. Referring to the meetings theme, Navigating Our Future, Together, Rajnath Singh said regional solidarity, mutual trust and collective responsibility were essential to maintaining peace and stability. He also proposed a dedicated defence Youth Bridge to strengthen people-to-people links between India and ASEAN, promote digital innovation and expand capacity-building opportunities for young people in regional peace and security initiatives.
Samad, Lotra rescue J&K from defeat against Baroda
Srinagar, Oct 29: Sensational centuries from Abdul Samad and a fighting knock from Sahil Lotra helped Jammu and Kashmir salvage a draw against Baroda in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group match at the Reliance Cricket Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday. Baroda, however, secured victory on the basis of a first-innings lead after J&K finished their second innings at 316 for six in 96 overs. Forced to follow on after conceding a massive 313-run first-innings lead, J&K were staring at a possible defeat after their top order once again failed to provide a solid foundation. However, Samad and Lotra produced a remarkable fightback, ensuring the visitors batted out the final day to save the match. Samad was the chief architect of the rescue act, hammering a magnificent 143 off just 152 deliveries. His aggressive innings featured 16 fours and seven sixes, as he took the attack to the opposition and shifted the momentum with a display of fearless strokeplay. The right-hander showed his ability to change the course of a match, countering Barodas bowling with an attacking approach when J&K needed it most. At the other end, Lotra displayed tremendous patience and composure, remaining unbeaten on 96 off 240 balls. His innings was built on discipline and resilience, providing the perfect foil to Samads attacking approach. Lotra held his ground and his partnership with Samad proved decisive in taking J&K out of danger. The pair stitched together a crucial 225-run partnership, transforming a precarious situation into one of relative comfort for the visitors. Their contrasting styles, Samads aggression and Lotras calm resistance,proved effective against a Baroda attack that had dominated proceedings for much of the match. J&K had resumed the fourth day under pressure after being asked to follow on. Their first-innings total of 303 had left them 313 runs behind Barodas imposing 616, built around Priyanshu Moliyas unbeaten 321 and Mahesh Pithiyas 102. The visitors second innings initially followed a familiar pattern, with the top order struggling to make an impact. Qamran Iqbal scored 20, Shubham Khajuria managed five, Kawalpreet Singh contributed 22, while captain Paras Dogra fell for one. The early setbacks raised the prospect of Baroda completing a convincing victory. However, Samads counter-attacking century and Lotras determined effort changed the complexion of the contest. After Samad was dismissed for 143, Lotra continued to bat with discipline, ensuring Baroda could not force a result. Rydham Sharma added 11, while Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on one alongside Lotra when the match was drawn. For Baroda, Mahesh Pithiya claimed three wickets, while Rasikh Salam, Bhargav Bhatt and Atit Sheth picked up one wicket each. Priyanshu Moliya was adjudged Player of the Match for his monumental unbeaten 321 in Barodas first innings, which laid the foundation for the hosts first-innings advantage. While J&K managed to avert defeat through a determined batting display, Baroda took the match honours by virtue of their commanding first-innings total.
PM Modi to unveil projects worth Rs 14,000 Cr in Gujarat, release Rs 19,000 Cr under PM-KISAN today
New Delhi, Oct 29:Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 14,000 crore in Banaskantha during his two-day visit to Gujarat on October 30-31. He will also release the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, amounting to around Rs 19,000 crore, providing financial assistance to farmers across the country. In Banaskantha on October 30, PM Modi will dedicate the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi, a 127-acre facility aimed at improving bovine breeding, cattle genetics and reproductive technologies. It will be the countrys first facility of its kind dedicated to the Kankrej cattle breed. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for two Bio-CNG plants at Tharad and Radhanpur, which will process 75 and 100 metric tonnes of cattle dung per day, respectively. Among the major infrastructure projects are the extensions of Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2 to the airport and GIFT City, and the widening of Ahmedabad-Mehsana Road from four lanes to eight lanes at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore. PM Modi will dedicate 521 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, involving a total project cost of around Rs 4,950 crore, and inaugurate the expansion of a potato processing plant at Sanadar. He will also flag off the Ahmedabad (Sabarmati)-Varanasi Express and Mehsana-Becharaji-Sabarmati MEMU services. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for 4,030 child-friendly Anganwadi centres and inaugurate 361 completed centres in Gujarat. The initiative, involving an investment of Rs800 crore, is expected to benefit more than four lakh people. He will mark the commencement of on-ground activities under 12 approved horticulture clusters spread across approximately 1.46 lakh hectares and expected to benefit over 1.3 lakh farmers. Two clusters in North Gujarat will focus on potatoes. Ekta Nagar events Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, on October 30 to inaugurate Bharat Parv 2026, which will showcase Indias cultural heritage, folk performances, regional cuisines, handicrafts and tourist attractions. The festival will continue until November 15. He will also witness Ekta Prakash Parv, featuring illumination displays highlighting Indias cultural diversity, heritage and development. On October 31, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 400 crore in Ekta Nagar. These include water and sewage treatment facilities, the upgradation of Narmada Ghat, an IRCTC hotel and eco-tourism projects. He will subsequently participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity. This years celebrations will have Vande Mataram as the overarching theme, with the Ekta Parade placing special emphasis on the achievements of security forces in combating Left-Wing Extremism and the transition of affected areas towards peace and development. A theatrical presentation on Naxal Mukt Bharat, organised by the National School of Drama, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism. A separate cultural presentation involving approximately 5,000 artists from across the country will showcase Indias classical and folk traditions.
Reflections on Nature, Fate and Freedom
When we contemplate the vastness of space and time, our little existences seem hopelessly insignificant. Where do we then place Man who has only been around for a time which accounts for less than the momentary batting of an eye compared to the cosmic timeframe. But the cosmos in all its infinity can not belittle Man. In a world of a billion living species, who has the courage to unravel and interpret the deepest mysteries within it. Who is it that can contemplate a trillion galaxies some zillion light years away. Who is it that can subjugate all else so completely and collectively in the interest of his own kind. In fact its the man in all his feebleness who seems to have the audacity to belittle the cosmos and not the other way round. Intimidating as it may sound, many within the human race itself would disavow this characterization as delusional self-aggrandizement. For Spinoza, a 17th century Dutch philosopher, human existence when seen sub specie aeternitatis i.e. from the perspective of eternity, without any shifting influences of time or human emotion, appears to be a part of a single all-encompassing continuum called nature or substance or if you like, God. This way of looking at reality was the point of departure for his monism and it succeeded in, if not obliterating completely, fracturing our self-conceived position in the universe for years to come. Instead of identifying man as an outsider observing reality, this idea confines him within the boundaries of the same reality hes trying to observe. Thus the act of observing nature itself becomes an act of nature. In this way, any semblance of objectivity and hence freedom in mans thought or action is reduced to nothing but a self imposed deception. His fate is sealed by the curse of determinism which for him is impossible to escape at whichever cost. A teenage boy from some prehistoric village in the past had the same disquieting desires as any youngster growing up in the modern world. A woman living in some distant age carried the same unsettling apprehensions as a woman of todays day and age. If we fold up the span of time, wasnt it really the nature which was desiring our desires and thinking our thoughts? Even our actions cant escape the leash of determinism. After all, hasnt nature predefined the limits for everything. Things in this world may have great potential but not infinite. You can nurture an apple seed in the best soil and with the greatest care, but it will only bear apples and not plums. We can train our bodies to perform extraordinary feats but we cant make our thumbs twist backwards, can we? This idea of Spinoza is of interest to us on two grounds. On the one hand it somewhat appears to align with the Quranic concept of fate or destiny and on the other hand it presupposes the existence of a fundamental reality that exists by necessity, although it merges both the contingent and the non-contingent beings into a single unity. Nonetheless, Its these aforementioned limits and more that constitute fate. In the Quran the Arabic word used for fate is Qadr. Its not coincidental that this word serves as the root for other words such as quantity and measure or proportion. Fate is unquestionably related to the concept of measure with which each object is proportionated in this cosmos. In 7th century Arabia people had already taken interest in understanding the notion of fate. A man once came to Imam Ali to ask about fate and freewill. He asked the man to lift up his one leg and thus the man did. Ali replied such is freewill. He then asked the man to lift up both his legs at the same time and the man simply said that it cant be done. Ali said such is fate. On yet another occasion, a beggar asking for money, interrupted imam Ali while he was getting off of his horse to offer prayer at the mosque in Kufa. Ali told the man to wait until after the prayer was finished with the intention of giving him some 4 dinars which were in his possession. The beggar grew impatient while waiting and stole away the saddle from Alis horse. When Ali came out of the mosque and saw that his saddle was gone, he went in search for it in the nearby market and incidentally found it with one of the shopkeepers. Upon investigation, the shopkeeper informed Ali that he had purchased the saddle from a man for 4 dinars. Imam Ali concluded with a smile that it was already ordained for the man to receive 4 dinars today but had he been patient he would have received it through just means but owing to his impatience he ended up possessing the same amount through unjust means. The point of this story is self-evident. Everything that happens around us is preordained, no matter how complicated the causes might appear. Essentially, the cause and effect are as much a part of the cosmic drama as everything else. At this point some might feel the mental urge to take refuge in common sense in justifying why some things can and cannot happen. But the fact is that its common only because we have accepted the reality to exist in a certain way i.e. the default way, and this we have taken to exist by necessity. But what gives us the right to contemplate over these matters if we are so unsure or rather unfree in our own selves. For the French philosopher Descartes, the fact that we are able to think and question our own existence could be a case in point. He believed as he famously put it, cogito ergo sum, I think therefore I exist. For him our own existence was the highest form of certainty there was. So he chose to build his whole philosophical system bottom up from this very fact. This idea of a thinking being or an intellectual being could possibly be a differentiating factor in nature. How many philosophical problems of his time Descartes succeeded in solving is out of scope of this discussion, albeit how free he was in his act of cogito, is a question Spinoza would have felt delighted to ask. Leaving out a handful of pantheists and ontological monists, for the majority of thinkers from antiquity till date, God has always existed outside the creation. And for Muslim theologians as well as many western philosophers, intellect is one of the irrefutable attributes of the divine. Perhaps the presence of this spark of divine in man in the form of intellect is what raises him to such a vantage point; allowing him to observe reality despite being intimately woven into it. For a trillion years or more the universe would have operated purely on instinct but along comes a being who in this way was an anomaly in the natural order of things. Bestowed with the power of intellect, he was chosen to represent the divine. Perhaps this was what God intended when he breathed his spirit into him, as he mentioned in his final revelation to mankind. Perhaps before man freed himself from God, it was God who had freed man!
CSIR-IIIM Srinagar concludes 5-day health screening camp under Phenome India Mission
Srinagar, Oct 29:The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, concluded a five-day health screening campaign under the Phenome India CSIR Health Cohort Knowledge Base (PI-CHeCK) initiative, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and advancing personalised healthcare solutions for the Indian population. The programme commenced at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, on October 25 and concluded at its Srinagar branch laboratory on October 29. The initiative is part of a nationwide health research programme being implemented across 37 CSIR laboratories, with the objective of advancing the vision of Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat through scientific research, systematic health monitoring and data-driven healthcare. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, was the chief guest at the concluding programme in Srinagar. Sixty participants, including serving employees, pensioners and their spouses, voluntarily underwent various health assessments. The screening included oscillometry and spirometry for lung health, FibroScan, kidney and liver function tests, blood biochemistry, pathological investigations and other medical examinations. The assessments are intended to provide insights into individual health profiles while contributing to a research database for studying lifestyle-related and other diseases through advanced genomic and proteomic approaches. The initiative also involves collecting biological samples for future research in disease diagnosis and healthcare. Addressing the participants, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the significance of the national initiative being undertaken under the mentorship of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Vice President of CSIR. He said the Phenome India initiative was an important step towards understanding health patterns among the Indian population and developing improved strategies for disease prevention, early diagnosis and personalised treatment. Dr Ahmed said the programme aims to establish a comprehensive health database by integrating large-scale health information with advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The data is expected to help researchers identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers associated with various diseases and strengthen the scientific foundation for precision medicine tailored to the Indian population. During his visit, Dr Ahmed inspected the various testing stations, reviewed the arrangements and interacted with participating scientists, healthcare personnel and volunteers. The screening camp at the CSIR-IIIM branch laboratory in Srinagar was coordinated by Dr. Fayaz A. Malik, Scientist-G, in collaboration with the PI-CHeCK team from the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB). The national programme is coordinated by Dr. Shantanu Sengupta, Scientist-G at CSIR-IGIB and principal investigator of the PI-CHeCK project, under the supervision of Dr. Souvik Maiti, Director, CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi. The concluding session featured the distribution of certificates to volunteers from CSIR-IIIM and CSIR-IGIB by Dr Zabeer Ahmed.
Death is a certainty of life, yet no certainty can prepare the heart for losing someone it believed would always be there. We know that this worldly existence is temporary and that everyone we love ultimately belongs to Allah and must return to Him. Yet knowing this does little to lessen the pain of separation. On 7 August 2026, I lost my beloved father, Prof. Nazir Masoodi. For an only daughter raised with extraordinary affection and utmost care, this was not merely the loss of a parent. It felt like the destruction of a cherished heaven. I lost the man who had been my safest place in this world, the voice that reassured me, the heart that loved me without condition, and the comforting certainty that, whatever happened, Daddy was there. To be loved by him was one of the greatest blessings Allah gave me. I write these words because my heart carries more love and grief than my tears can contain, and because a man like my father deserves to be remembered for the goodness he left behind. Daddy possessed qualities that are becoming increasingly rare. He was warm, soft-spoken, dignified and deeply compassionate. He treated people with respect regardless of their position or circumstances. His concern for others was genuine and selfless; he helped not because he expected anything in return, but simply because goodness was inherent in his nature. Perhaps what made him even more remarkable was how distinctly his character stood on its own. He was unlike anyone else in his family, a man of a remarkably different nature, with a gentleness, generosity and depth of compassion that were uniquely his own. There was simply no one quite like him. Generosity was one of his defining qualities. Our home was rarely without guests, and everyone who entered was welcomed with warmth and genuine affection. He had the beautiful ability to make people feel welcome, not merely in his home, but in his heart. His compassion extended especially to children who had been deprived of parental or familial care. Looking back, I realise that Daddys fatherly love was never confined to me alone. His heart was large enough to embrace every child who needed affection, protection and a sense of belonging. He gave them love, guidance, dignity and security, never allowing them to feel different from his own daughter. One of the greatest lessons Daddy taught me came not through words, but through the way he lived: true generosity is not about giving what one has in excess; it is about opening ones heart and making space for another persons happiness and dignity. From him, I learnt that relationships are not defined by blood alone, but by the responsibilities we willingly accept and the love we choose to give. My father had an exceptionally gentle and forgiving heart. He carried goodwill for people and treated others with kindness and grace. He lived with a clean heart and left this world having given far more love than he ever asked to receive. But beyond everything others knew about Prof. Nazir Masoodi, there was the man I had the privilege of calling Daddy. And that is the man I miss beyond words. I miss his voice, his advice, his concern for the smallest things in my life, and above all, the security of simply knowing that he existed in the same world as me. People tell me that time will soften grief. But some losses do not become smaller with time; we simply learn to carry them with love, prayer and remembrance. Daddy, I was proud to be your daughter when you were here, and I will remain proud to be your daughter for as long as I live.
Hunar Nama to showcase Kashmirs rich craft heritage on DD Kashir
Srinagar, Oct 29: The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir has launched Hunar Nama The Craft Story, a dedicated television programme aimed at showcasing Kashmirs rich handicraft and handloom heritage and bringing the stories of its artisans, crafts and traditions to a wider audience. Being undertaken under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, the programme will be telecast on DD Kashir every Friday from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM, offering viewers an engaging insight into the craftsmanship, skills and traditions that have shaped Kashmirs distinctive craft legacy. The programme seeks to highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans and the cultural, historical and economic significance of Kashmirs traditional crafts. It will also provide a platform to showcase the dedication and creativity of artisans who have carried these unique traditions forward from one generation to another. Through Hunar Nama The Craft Story, the Directorate aims to strengthen public outreach, enhance the visibility of traditional crafts and encourage greater appreciation of Kashmirs handicraft and handloom products. The initiative will also contribute towards promoting traditional craft-based enterprises and improving their visibility within the broader MSME ecosystem. The initiative is aligned with the objectives of the RAMP Scheme, which focuses on strengthening MSMEs, enhancing their competitiveness, improving market and institutional outreach, and supporting sustainable growth of enterprises across the country. The Directorate has invited the general public, craft enthusiasts, tourists, researchers and all those interested in Kashmirs rich cultural heritage to watch Hunar Nama The Craft Story on DD Kashir every Friday at 8:30 PM and discover the artistry, heritage and human stories behind Kashmirs world-renowned crafts.
CII Apple Conclave calls for stronger value chain, global market access for J&K apples
Srinagar, Oct 29:The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised the sixth edition of the CII J&K Apple Conclave 2026 in Srinagar, bringing together policymakers, growers, exporters, researchers and industry leaders to discuss ways to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs apple sector and expand its global market reach. Held under the theme From Orchard to Global Markets, the conclave focused on technology adoption, precision horticulture, post-harvest management, value addition and improved market linkages. Welcoming participants, Dawar Ashraf Mir, Convener, CII J&K Horticulture Panel and Director, Ziraat Agro Ventures LLP, stressed the need to strengthen the apple value chain through innovation, technology and better market access. Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council, highlighted horticultures contribution to the regions economy and livelihoods, noting that high-density plantations, improved infrastructure and better farming practices offered a foundation for further growth. Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII Northern Region Committee on Horticulture, called for stronger quality standards, improved supply chains and greater export opportunities. Dr N.K. Krishna Kumar, former Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR, emphasised scientific interventions and modern technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, stressed research, capacity building and reducing production costs to improve the sustainability of apple cultivation. Chief Guest Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production and other departments, highlighted government initiatives aimed at strengthening horticulture through technology, infrastructure and farmer-centric measures. He called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to support the industrys growth. The conclave featured two technical sessions on Future of Apple Cultivation, Precision Horticulture and Smart Farming and Post-Harvest Innovation and Smart Supply Chains. The discussions highlighted the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration, better post-harvest infrastructure and improved market integration to enhance the global competitiveness of J&K apples. The event was attended by Vikas Anand, Director, Horticulture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad, Director, Agriculture, and other government officials and industry representatives. The conclave concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among the government, industry, research institutions and growers to strengthen the apple value chain and position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading producer of high-quality apples.
Sankara, Ibn Arabiand Heidegger on Being
The mysterious relationship between the permanence of Being and the ceaseless flux of Becoming has stirred the human imagination since the dawn of philosophical reflection. In ancient Greece, this tension found one of its most compelling expressions in the contrasting visions of Heraclitus and Parmenides. For Heraclitus, change was the very pulse of reality, the restless movement through which the world disclosed its dynamic unity; for Parmenides, genuine Being had to be un-generated, imperishable and unchanging, for whatever truly is cannot simply emerge from nothingness or dissolve into non-being. Platos theory of Forms offered a profound response to this philosophical tension by distinguishing the changing world of sensible particulars from the enduring intelligible realities through which they could be understood. Yet the question was far from settled. Beneath the multitude of appearances, was there an abiding reality that remained untouched by change? Was Becoming merely the surface of a deeper Being, or was change itself inseparable from the truth of existence? These questions would travel across civilisations, acquiring new languages, new spiritual dimensions and new philosophical possibilities, while retaining their power to unsettle the human mind. Meanwhile, in the forests and contemplative hermitages of ancient India, the sages of the Upaniads were pursuing their own profound inquiry into the mystery of existence. What sustains this universe? What lies behind the powers of nature? What is the source of thought, perception and consciousness? And is the deepest reality of the cosmos somehow related to the innermost reality of the self? From the Bhadrayaka Upaniad to the Kena Upaniad, we encounter a movement towards an underlying principle that cannot be adequately explained through the plurality of cosmic powers alone. The Kena Upaniad, in particular, places even the gods within this inquiry, revealing the limitations of their individual powers before the mysterious reality of Brahman, the ground that makes their powers possible. A comparable, though historically distinct, transformation unfolded within the religious world of the ancient Near East, where biblical traditions gradually developed an uncompromising affirmation of divine unity amid a landscape populated by deities such as Ishtar and Marduk. The biblical declaration associated with the divine name in Exodusoften rendered, I AM WHO I AMwould inspire enduring reflections on divine existence, presence and transcendence. Centuries later, Islamic tawd would affirm Allah as the one, incomparable Creator and Sustainer of all existence, while Christian mystics such as Meister Eckhart would explore the depths of the Godhead beyond the limitations of ordinary conceptual thought. These traditions cannot be reduced to a single historical trajectory, nor can Brahman, Allah and Eckharts Godhead simply be treated as interchangeable names for one metaphysical principle. Yet they converge upon a compelling question: can the bewildering multiplicity of existence be understood in relation to an ultimate reality that exceeds the limits of ordinary experience and thought? It is against this vast intellectual and spiritual horizon that the distinctive visions of akara, Ibn Arab and Martin Heidegger invite us to reopen the mystery of Being. The philosophical journey of akara unfolds against the backdrop of a profound intellectual contest in ancient India, where the Upaniadic vision of an enduring Self encountered the radical challenge of Buddhist thought. The Upaniads had explored the relationship between Brahman, the ultimate ground of reality, and tman, the deepest reality of the self, a relationship famously expressed in the declarations Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art) and Aham Brahmsmi (I am Brahman). The emergence of Buddhism unsettled this metaphysical vision through its doctrines of dependent origination (prattyasamutpda) and non-self (anatt), challenging the assumption that an eternal, independent self could be discovered beneath the changing constituents of experience. The centuries that followed witnessed intense philosophical exchanges among Buddhist, Brahmanical, and Vedntic thinkers. Bdaryaas Brahma Stra systematised the interpretation of Upaniadic teaching, while Gau apdas Mkya Krik developed a radical philosophy of non-duality and non-origination. This long history of debate and reflection reached one of its most influential expressions in di akara, who gave Advaita Vednta its systematic philosophical form. For akara, the ultimate reality is non-dual Brahman, and the plurality of the phenomenal world cannot be understood as independently self-subsistent. His concept of my does not simply reduce the world to absolute nothingness; rather, it challenges our tendency to mistake phenomenal distinctions for ultimate, independent realities. Beneath the apparent multiplicity of existence lies an ontological unity that cannot be comprehended through ordinary distinctions alone. Although akara did not formulate a modern environmental philosophy, his metaphysics invites a contemporary question: might the overcoming of ego-centred perception and the recognition of a deeper unity inform a more responsible relationship with the natural world? A different yet equally profound exploration of unity and multiplicity emerges in the metaphysics of Muy al-Dn Ibn Arab, the great Andalusian Sufi thinker born in Murcia in 1165. Inheriting the Quranic affirmation of tawd, the intellectual traditions of Islamic theology, and the experiential insights of Sufism, Ibn Arab developed an extraordinarily rich account of the relationship between God and creation. His thought would become central to what later interpreters came to call wadat al-wujd, or the unity of being, although the history and precise meaning of this designation require careful qualification. At the heart of his metaphysics lies al-aqq, the Real, whose existence is not dependent upon anything beyond itself, whereas the existence of created things is contingent and dependent. The cosmos, in this vision, is not simply an independent collection of objects, nor is it a corporeal form assumed by God. It is understood through tajall, the self-disclosure of the divine names and attributes in the manifold forms of existence. The world reveals something of the Real without exhausting or containing the divine essence. Here we encounter a delicate balance between transcendence and manifestation: God is incomparable with creation, yet the universe is not metaphysically detached from its Creator. This offers an intriguing point of comparison with akaras distinction between Nirgua and Sagua Brahman, particularly in the attempt to understand how ultimate reality exceeds finite descriptions while the world of plurality remains intelligible in relation to it. Yet the two thinkers must not be collapsed into a single doctrine. akaras non-duality belongs to the framework of Advaita Vednta, while Ibn Arabs account of the Real and divine self-disclosure is rooted in Islamic revelation and Sufi metaphysics. Their possible convergence lies not in the erasure of these differences, but in the depth of the question they share: how can the multiplicity of existence be understood without compromising the ultimacy of the One?
FCIK welcomes Cabinet expansion, calls for new drive to boost enterprise, jobs
Srinagar, Oct 29:The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has extended warm congratulations to the newly inducted members of the Council of Ministers on their appointment and allocation of portfolios, expressing confidence that the expanded team under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will bring renewed energy, commitment and coordination to fostering entrepreneurship, tackling unemployment and accelerating Jammu and Kashmirs economic development. FCIK welcomed the induction of Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Wani, while conveying its best wishes to Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Ministers Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana and Javid Ahmad Dar in fulfilling their responsibilities. Every portfolio offers opportunities to nurture entrepreneurship, generate livelihoods and strengthen the local economy. Enterprise promotion must become a shared responsibility across the Government, with each department using its policies, procurement, infrastructure and services to encourage local production and employment, FCIK stated. The Federation hoped that the enthusiasm accompanying the Cabinet expansion would translate into timely decisions on pending matters affecting investment, industrial revival and business confidence. It particularly sought coordinated action by the Finance, Power, Industries and Commerce, Forest, Agriculture, Health and Education Departments. FCIK urged Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to prioritise finalisation of the new Industrial Policy and early notification of rules under the Ease of Doing Business Act. It stressed that the policy must combine support for existing enterprises and revival of sick and stressed units with incentives for fresh investment, stronger local procurement and wider market access. The Chief Ministers commitment to industrial renewal has raised considerable expectations. Entrepreneurs awaiting the policy need clarity, certainty and effective implementation to move ahead with investment and expansion, the Federation said. Congratulating Ali Mohammad Sagar on assuming responsibility for Power Development and other departments, FCIK expressed hope that his experience would help secure reliable industrial supply, address tariff concerns, provide relief on accumulated power arrears and accelerate rooftop solarisation. Affordable and dependable electricity, it emphasised, is fundamental to the competitiveness and survival of local manufacturing. Welcoming the assignment of Finance to Javid Ahmad Dar, FCIK sought early financial concurrence to the proposed Industrial Policy, adequate budgetary provision and timely release of incentives and other dues. It also urged him to pursue with J&K Bank the early launch of a meaningful Special One-Time Settlement scheme, with coverage, concessions and eligibility provisions fully aligned with SBIs OTS-20, without dilution or discretionary riders. Resolving legacy debt through a transparent, formula-based and non-discriminatory settlement framework can enable viable enterprises to resume production, release productive assets and restore employment. Industrial revival must be recognised as an investment in economic recovery, FCIK maintained. The Federation also highlighted the scope for linking Agriculture Production and Cooperatives, held by Dar, with local manufacturing through food processing, cold chains, packaging, storage and value addition. It called for the next phase of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme to strengthen these connections and create viable enterprises around agricultural and horticultural production. Welcoming Altaf Ahmad Wanis stewardship of Forest, Ecology and Environment, FCIK sought timely resolution of pending forest-related and environmental matters affecting enterprises, simpler consent procedures and clear, consistent regulatory requirements, with environmental safeguards upheld. Protecting our fragile ecology and promoting responsible entrepreneurship are shared obligations. Transparent procedures and timely decisions can advance both while encouraging cleaner production and sustainable investment, it said. FCIK urged Sakeena Masood Itoo and Shamim Firdous, responsible for Health and Education respectively, to channel their departments substantial procurement requirements towards eligible local manufacturers. It also sought closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry to align skills with market requirements, encourage innovation and help young people establish enterprises of their own. The Federation expressed hope that Mir Saifullah would use Planning and allied departments to support coordinated development and enterprise creation, while Javed Ahmad Ranas responsibilities for Transport, Food and Civil Supplies and Tribal Affairs could help improve logistics, market access and livelihood opportunities for underserved communities. FCIK called for an early joint interaction between the concerned Ministers and industrial stakeholders to establish a time-bound programme for pending decisions, with clear departmental responsibility and periodic review. The renewed energy of the Council of Ministers must translate into functioning factories, revived enterprises and meaningful opportunities for our youth. Every approval expedited, payment released and avoidable hurdle removed can strengthen an enterprise and protect the livelihoods dependent on it, the Federation stated. Reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement, FCIK expressed confidence that coordinated ministerial leadership under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would turn reform commitments into tangible gains in investment, employment and public prosperity.
New Delhi, Oct 29:The year 2026 resembles 1991, and it could be deemed an inflection point for the Indian economy, which has been facing not only external challenges but also structural constraints in manufacturing, energy, agriculture and technology, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on Thursday. Addressing the ISID-IDRA national conference, Nageswaran further said that, in the global context, India is a source of macroeconomic stability and resilience, which sometimes tend to get forgotten in the noisy world of social media narratives. 2026 resembles 1991, and many of you should not immediately think that when we talk about the word resemblance, it is not the same as identical. Identical means that you have the same balance of payments crisis. No. The point is, it was an inflection point for us in 1991, and 2026 is also, or even 2025, could be deemed as inflection points for us, he said. Nageswaran said that while the 1991 balance of crisis brought four decades of accumulated constraints to a head- a moment of reckoning more than a passing shock- the external stress of 2026 has brought India to a fork in its growth journey and invites a fundamental re-examination of strategy. In 2026, the challenge is not only external. Structural constraints in manufacturing, energy, agriculture and technology add to the pressure, he said. Nageswaran pointed out that the worst shocks now arrive not because of accidents of nature, but by design. Just as last week, we saw China announcing an export licensing regime for tunnel boring machines and for many other products of infrastructure goods, which India will be needing, he said. The CEA said the weaponised dependence ends up eroding the more they are used, that is true. The more countries weaponise their supplies, they become less effective over time. But there is a period when they are binding, because other countries cannot ramp up production just like that, he said. Nageswaran observed that the next 20-30 years will be different from the 40 years pre-pandemic and added that most of the shocks which we faced before the pandemic were largely demand deficiency shocks. So central bankers and fiscal policy could just stimulate and try to get out of trouble, whether it is the 1987 stock market crash, 1990-91 savings and loan crisis, the East Asian crisis of 199798, 2001 tech bubble or the 2008 global financial crisis. Every single crisis was met with a standard playbook of low interest rates, together with or without quantitative easing, and some fiscal stimulus as well, he said. The CEA said it is easy to stimulate when you consider the problems as only a matter of demand deficiency, but when supply falls short, it is about real stuff. And that is not easily engineered or designed by monetary or fiscal policy. And higher interest rates, you can raise rates sky-high and cool an overheated economy, he said. Nageswaran said in the next 30 years, monetary policy will be much more difficult to execute in a world of supply shortages causing real economic disruptions, both to output and to inflation. Fiscal policy, broad support, stimulating of the economy where animal spirits are weak; it is easy to stimulate them with fiscal stimulus, he said.
Woman killed, 6 injured in Reasi, Ramban accidents
Ramban, Oct 29:A woman was killed and six persons were injured in two separate road accidents in Ramban and Reasi districts of Jammu division on Thursday, officials said. In the first accident, three persons sustained minor injuries after a truck loaded with heavy paper rolls collided with a road divider and two other vehicles in the Dalwass area of Chanderkote along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Ramban district. Official sources said a canter, bearing registration number UP58AT-0870, collided with a Ford Figo (JK02DK-4899) and another vehicle, bearing registration number JK14C-4705, leaving three persons injured. The injured were identified as Kishori Lal, son of Amar Chand; Ranbir Singh, son of Balwan Singh and Maninder Singh, son of Ashok Kumar, all residents of Sawni village in Chanderkote. They were shifted to District Hospital Ramban for treatment. SHO Chanderkote Inspector Vicky Thapa confirmed that three persons had sustained minor injuries in the accident. In a separate incident, a 45-year-old woman was killed and three others, including a minor girl, were injured after a tempo traveller skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Last Galla in the Dansal area of Arnas tehsil in Reasi district during the intervening night of October 28 and 29. Officials said the injured were shifted to a hospital, where the woman was declared dead. The other three injured were undergoing treatment. The deceased was identified as Gulshan, a resident of Dhanour. The injured were identified as Subash, also a resident of Dhanour; Altaf, the driver of the vehicle and a resident of Dharore and a minor girl whose identity has not yet been ascertained. Police have taken cognisance of the incident, and further investigation is underway.
Jammu, Oct 29:Northern Railway has maintained that in case of advance booking of parcel coaches for both directions through Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) trains, aggregator, trader or logistics service provider in J&K will have to pay only 1.5 times the normal rate (JP scale) as the total round-trip freight. This means full freight for one side and a heavy discount of 50 percent on the return trip under JPP-RCS scheme, aimed at facilitating apple growers and fruit traders of Kashmir. A clarification in this connection was made in an important joint meeting organised by the Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway on Thursday, October 29, 2026 in Srinagar, to connect apple growers and fruit traders of Kashmir with safe and economical rail transport. The meeting was held in the chamber of the Director, Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Srinagar. According to Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division, the meeting was attended by the Area Manager, Jammu Railway Division and other railway officials. The Horticulture Department was represented by various Marketing Officers and Assistant Grading Officers of the Kashmir region, including officers from Parimpora, Bandipora and Anantnag besides the cargo aggregators. The main objective of the meeting was to facilitate the transportation of Kashmiri apples and other horticulture products through trains by creating better coordination between the Horticulture Department and Northern Railway. In the meeting, a new arrangement was discussed in detail in the interest of traders. The Railways clarified that if any aggregator, trader or logistics service provider makes an advance booking of parcel coaches for both directions through JPP-RCS trains, then he will have to pay only 1.5 times the normal rate (JP Scale) as the total round-trip freight, official stated. For the convenience of traders, according to the official, the entire process of booking and payment will be completed at once at the originating station itself, which will free them from paperwork and save time. Under this initiative, special emphasis has been laid on concessional freight rates to connect traders to the rail network instead of roadways. It was emphasised in the meeting that a strong and vibrant coordination between Northern Railway and cargo aggregators is extremely necessary, so that this proposed arrangement does not remain confined to papers only but actually gets implemented on the ground and the producers get its direct benefit. All stakeholders present in the meeting expressed positive consent on this proposal of the Railways. At the same time, technical aspects like its commercial viability, freight charges, cargo handling arrangements, train schedule and collection and delivery facilities were also discussed in detail, official said, adding that several important meetings had already been held between the Railways and cargo aggregators on this subject earlier. The Railways assured the fruit growers that the railway administration was committed to provide them with all possible assistance. All stakeholders will be informed in due course about the future action plan and progress of the next phase of this scheme, it was reaffirmed.
J&K deploying upgraded UEM, EDR to safeguard govt endpoints against cyber threats
Jammu, Oct 29:Jammu and Kashmir government is deploying upgraded versions of Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions across all its departments and organisations to bolster its security framework against emerging cyber threats. In view of the increasing cyber security threats to government IT infrastructure, particularly endpoints connected through NICNET and JKSWAN, the deployment of UEM and EDR solutions assumes critical importance. Deployment of upgraded versions of these critical solutions has become necessary as the license support for the existing versions of UEM and EDR solutions is due to expire. NIC cyber security personnel, designated as cyber warriors have been entrusted with the task of installation of these solutions on all endpoints connected to NICNET and JKSWAN. These solutions provide centralised management of government endpoints, facilitate security compliance and vulnerability monitoring, enable early detection of cyber threats and support prompt response to security incidents, thereby strengthening the overall cyber security framework of the government. For the smooth implementation of new versions of UEM and EDR solutions, General Administration Department (GAD) Commissioner Secretary M Raju has issued comprehensive instructions. In this connection, he has sought the attention of all administrative secretaries and Head of Departments, PSUs, Corporations to Circular number 12-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated May 21, 2025, whereby instructions were issued for ensuring adherence to prescribed cyber security practices, discontinuation of unauthorised digital assets and compliance with established IT governance protocols across government departments and organisations. As the license support for the existing versions of UEM and EDR solutions is due to expire, NIC Headquarters has procured the upgraded versions of these solutions to ensure continuity of security services and protection against emerging cyber threats, M Raju has maintained. Pointing out that the upgraded solutions are now ready for implementation, GAD Commissioner Secretary has stated that a dedicated team of NIC cyber security personnel, designated as cyber warriors will visit the concerned government departments or organisations for installation and deployment of the upgraded solutions on all endpoints connected to NICNET and JKSWAN. The exercise will be undertaken in a phased manner. Accordingly, M Raju has asked all Administrative Secretaries and Head of Departments, PSUs and Corporations to notify all officers and officials under their administrative control and to extend full cooperation to NIC team for the installation of new version of UEM and EDR in the interest of secure and accountable e-governance.
Medical camp held at Shalimar, Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 29:In a significant initiative aimed at promoting accessible healthcare and community welfare, the Department of AYUSH, Srinagar, organised a Mega Medical Camp today at Syed Meerak Shah Memorial Public School, Shalimar, Srinagar, in collaboration with NGO Ali Asgar Blood Bank Care Foundation J&K, with the active support and cooperation of the school management. The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammad Sultan Parray, District AYUSH Officer, Srinagar, who highlighted the importance of collaborative healthcare initiatives in extending medical services to the public, particularly students, economically weaker sections and other deserving beneficiaries. During the camp, hundreds of patients received medical consultations, free general health check-ups and medicines. Students and staff members of the institution, along with a substantial number of people from the surrounding community, availed themselves of the healthcare facilities. Preliminary medical investigations were also conducted on the spot to facilitate the initial assessment of beneficiaries' health conditions. The initiative reflected the Department of AYUSH's commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting preventive health awareness and ensuring that essential medical services reach people at their doorstep. The collaboration with Ali Asgar Blood Bank Care Foundation J&K further demonstrated the importance of partnerships between government healthcare institutions and voluntary organisations in expanding healthcare outreach. The camp was conducted under the leadership of Team Head Dr. Mohammad Ayoub Sofi, whose coordination and guidance, along with the dedicated efforts of the entire team, contributed to the successful organisation of the programme. The AYUSH medical team included Dr. Ruhi Tabassum, Dr. Nustat Kawoosa, Dr. Qurat ul Ain, Imtiyaz Zargar, Mushtaq Ahmad, Qasim Sofi and Mahnaz Qayoom. Their professional commitment, teamwork and patient-centred approach were instrumental in providing healthcare services to the beneficiaries. The volunteers of Ali Asgar Blood Bank Care Foundation J&K extended valuable support in organising and coordinating the camp. The cooperation of the management and staff of Syed Meerak Shah Memorial Public School, headed by Dr. Mohammad Ayoub Sofi, was also commendable in facilitating the programme and ensuring the participation of students, staff members and the local community. Appreciating the collective efforts of all those involved, Dr. Mohammad Sultan Parray, District AYUSH Officer, Srinagar, lauded the dedication and collaborative spirit of the medical team, volunteers and school management. He emphasised that such outreach initiatives are essential for taking healthcare beyond institutional settings and bringing essential medical services closer to communities. The camp underscored how effective coordination between government healthcare institutions, voluntary organisations and educational institutions can create a meaningful impact on public health. Such initiatives not only improve access to essential healthcare but also strengthen public awareness, encourage preventive health practices and foster a spirit of compassion and social responsibility. The Department of AYUSH, Srinagar, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding healthcare outreach, strengthening preventive healthcare initiatives and bringing AYUSH services closer to the people through community participation and institutional collaboration. The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to the medical professionals, supporting staff, volunteers, school management and all stakeholders whose dedication and cooperation contributed to the successful conduct of this humanitarian initiative.
Kupwara Chemists and Distributors Association organises first-ever Pharma Conference
Kupwara, Oct 29:The Kupwara Chemists and Distributors Association on Thursday organised the first-ever pharma conference at Town Hall Kupwara, bringing together pharmaceutical professionals and officials to discuss drug regulation, public health and the pharmaceutical trade. Tehsildar Kupwara Niyaz Ahmad attended the conference as the guest of honour and participated in discussions on measures to prevent the misuse of medicines and strengthen the monitoring of pharmaceutical outlets. DySP Headquarters Mubashir Ahmad, speaking on the occasion, urged chemists to play an active role in curbing drug abuse and ensuring strict monitoring of medicine sales. He emphasised the importance of responsible dispensing practices and vigilance to prevent the misuse of medicines. Assistant Drugs Controllers Dr Zaffar Ahmad Bhat and Dr Shabir Ahmad Bhat; Hina Hameed, Price Monitoring Resource Unit Project Coordinator, Jammu and Kashmir (PMRU); Reema Gazala, Ishrat Qadri, Field Investigator, PMRU Kashmir Division; and Drugs Control Officers (DCOs) Feroz Ahamad Bhat, Kupwara/Handwara, and Shabir Ahmad Pandit (Manufacturing), Kashmir Division, were also among the key participants. On the occasion, DCO Shabir Ahmad Pandit (Manufacturing), Kashmir Division, presented official data and claimed that no duplicate medicines had been detected in Kashmir based on market samples collected over the past five years. The conference focused on the Nasha Mukth Abhiyan, prescription and scheduled drugs (NRx), and price monitoring through the Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU). An interactive question-and-answer session was also held to address issues concerning pharmaceutical regulations and the responsibilities of chemists and distributors. The programme aimed to promote the responsible sale and distribution of medicines, strengthen compliance with drug regulations and encourage collective efforts to curb substance abuse. The association emphasised the importance of cooperation among chemists, distributors and drug regulatory authorities in ensuring the availability of safe and affordable medicines while protecting public health.
Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of the Technology revolution amidst widespread usage touching our daily lives. With an amalgamation of Machine Learning, Deep learning algorithms, natural language processing & Neural networks, it has been instrumental in automating routine tasks, enhancing productivity, analytics and research. AI mimics human decision-making through rule-based algorithms, training with large amounts of data, which became readily available post the advent of Internet. In the past couple of years, AI has made exponential progress and impact in domains like Finance, Healthcare, autonomous systems and predictive analytics. Artificial Intelligence is supported by data centres which are specialised facilities meant for heavy computing, high speed networking and innovative cooling, making them the backbone of large-scale AI training and inference or regular usage. The number of such data centres is seeing a rapid expansion driven by massive investments and government incentives. The four essential components to keep an AI data centre running are compute, storage, power and cooling. These four components consume minerals, energy, water and have a direct impact on our Environment, depleting natural resources and increasing carbon emissions. Compute & Storage Artificial Intelligence requires massive computational power, both for training the models and inference or daily use, which is provided by high computing servers. The boom in building large AI data centres or AI factories has created a spiraling requirement for processors, memory and supporting hardware. Supply of microchips has become a bottleneck in technology expansion and is not able to meet the surging demand since the expansion of production capacity is highly time consuming due to its capital intensive nature. Chip manufacturing is a specialized process carried out under controlled conditions and consumes significant amounts of electricity and water. The manufacturing process uses fluorinated gases, perflurocarbons and etchants with a potential for high emissions and carbon footprint. Moreover, mining for silicon, copper and specialised metals has a major environmental impact. Power The rapid adoption and usage of AI models is resulting in serious concerns for power availability and energy demands. AI chips draw far more power than ordinary servers. The power requirement of a GPU server is 3-10KW, as compared to 300-600W for a CPU server. While a standard server rack consumes 10-15KW power, an AI rack requires 40-250KW. Besides, AI workload demands result in unpredictable cycles, and the power requirements are concentrated to specific locations housing data centres. This non-uniformity in demand creates a pressure on local grids and transmission networks. The Global power consumption for AI data centres is projected to be about 945TWh by 2030, which would lead to 1.6GtCO2 emissions. Water The high power usage of AI chips results in excessive heat generation. GPUs generate a lot of heat and conventional air cooling is not sufficient to control these extreme thermal loads. This requires cooling systems to continuously counter the heat using multiple techniques, predominantly employing water. Chilled water absorbs heat from the servers; some of it evaporates in cooling towers, which requires continuous fresh water to replace what is lost. Further, the power plants supplying electricity use water for their own cooling. Additionally, water is used in manufacturing microchips for computation. Despite resorting to innovative cooling techniques like liquid cooling (immersion and direct-to-chip cooling), AIs water usage is expected to equal the basic water needs of 1.3 Billion people by 2030, Thus, Data centres require specialised cooling and power systems. The infrastructure requirements are massive and pose a major risk by way of high electricity demand, water consumption, and land use. The issue is further convoluted by lack of transparency regarding usage of energy and water. There is also a regional inequality due to disproportionate burden on the environmental resources, depending on the location of data centres vis-a-vis the actual users of AI. The gravity of the situation can be ascertained from SpaceX IPO filing which highlighted water access as a key risk in operating and expanding large-scale AI infrastructure, warning that water scarcity, or regulatory limits for water usage could limit data center cooling and delay expansion. Mitigations AI Power requirements can be optimised by deploying efficient models with reduced inference, improved server utilization and locating data centres according to power & water availability at potential sites. A crucial mitigation would be the adoption of renewable energy to counter high carbon emissions. The usage of water for Data Centre Cooling is becoming a major concern. Several moderation measures have been initiated by using recycled or non-potable water for cooling, besides innovative options for Direct-to-chip or immersion cooling, which reduces temperatures with much lesser evaporation. Another option under consideration is to locate Data centres at sites with cooler climates. Roadmap The future for AI would not only include faster chips and larger models, but considerations for energy and cooling requirements as well. AI data centres ought to be strategically located as per availability of power and water. The entire lifecycle of AI - from chip production, server rack placements, model development, training to deployment and inference creates an environmental footprint, with major concerns around semiconductor manufacturing, electricity, water, minerals and adding significantly to emissions, pollution hazards leading to intensified pressure on energy, water and infrastructure. Unchecked growth and usage of Artificial Intelligence poses a major risk to the environment. We have to strike a balance between innovation and sustainability. Every AI prompt has an environmental footprint. Every compilation, illustration and elaboration by an AI tool is a result of engaging racks of processors depleting minerals, generating loads of heat and consuming plenty of water for cooling the same. Next time you run a simple AI prompt, remember the reply costs you a bottle of water and a chunk of carbon emission. The author is a technocrat with expertise in Data Analytics, Cyber Law and Digital Forensics. He is currently acting as advisor/ mentor to several startups and an ardent supporter of causes pertaining to Environment and Sustainability.
DM Anantnag declares Bar Association elections null and void
Anantnag, Oct 29:District Magistrate (DM) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, has declared the elections of the District Bar Association Anantnag, reportedly held on October 27, 2026, null and void ab initio and non est in the eyes of law, citing a violation of prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate. As per the orders issued by the District Magistrate, the election process of the District Bar Association Anantnag had been prohibited vide Order No. 01-DCA of 2025, dated January 2, 2025, pending fulfilment of mandatory requirements and submission of requisite documents by the organisation. The conditions stipulated in the order included submission of the registration certificate, constitution and memorandum, bye-laws governing the functioning of the organisation, a list of current executive members and members enrolled during the preceding ten years, along with their complete details, and a detailed statement of accounts. The order also required verification of the submitted documents and obtaining the necessary permission from the office of the District Magistrate before proceeding with the election process. However, owing to the non-fulfilment of the prescribed requirements, the election process was again prohibited vide Order No. 62-DCA of 2026, dated September 28, 2026. The said order remains in force. The District Magistrate observed that the elections of the District Bar Association Anantnag, reportedly held on October 27, 2026, as circulated on certain social media platforms, were conducted in violation of the subsisting prohibitory order, without fulfilment of the mandatory prerequisites and without prior intimation to or permission from the office of the District Magistrate. The conduct of the elections, in disregard of the subsisting order and without compliance with the prescribed requirements, has been viewed as a violation of the applicable legal and regulatory provisions, including those referred to under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Accordingly, the District Magistrate Anantnag has declared the elections of the District Bar Association Anantnag, reportedly held on October 27, 2026, null and void ab initio and non est in the eyes of law. The action underscores the importance of compliance with lawful administrative orders and the fulfilment of prescribed statutory and procedural requirements by organisations before undertaking such activities.
Unmarked road dividers raise safety concerns across north Kashmir
Baramulla, Oct 29:The absence of reflective markers on concrete road dividers installed at several locations in north Kashmir has emerged as a road safety concern, with residents warning that poorly visible barriers, particularly during night hours, could lead to serious accidents. The authorities have installed concrete dividers at various stretches to streamline traffic movement and ease congestion in busy areas. However, the absence of reflectors on these structures has raised concerns among commuters, who say the dividers become difficult to spot after dark, increasing the risk of vehicles crashing into them. Residents said several road mishaps had occurred in Baramulla town in the past, allegedly due to the poor visibility of these dividers. Such accidents have resulted in injuries to vehicle occupants and damage to vehicles, with some incidents reportedly causing serious injuries. In one such incident about a year ago, a car travelling from Srinagar towards Baramulla rammed into a concrete divider near Nanak Bhawan. The collision left the occupants with severe head injuries and caused extensive damage to the vehicle. Locals said the absence of reflective markers makes the dividers particularly hazardous at night, when drivers have limited visibility of the road ahead. The problem becomes more acute during power outages, when inadequate street lighting leaves the concrete structures barely visible to approaching motorists. They said drivers unfamiliar with the area are especially vulnerable, as they may fail to notice the dividers in time to manoeuvre their vehicles safely. Installing reflectors would cost only a few thousand rupees, but it could help save lives. The authorities must pay attention to this issue before another accident occurs, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local resident. Residents said that while installing concrete dividers may help regulate traffic and prevent vehicles from entering the wrong lane, ensuring their visibility is equally important for road safety. They urged the concerned departments to conduct an assessment of dividers installed across Baramulla and other parts of north Kashmir and equip them with reflective markers or other suitable visibility aids. They also called for adequate street lighting at vulnerable stretches, particularly along busy roads and at locations where dividers are difficult to distinguish from the road surface. Residents said relatively inexpensive safety measures could help reduce the risk of collisions and prevent avoidable injuries and loss of life. They urged the authorities to address the issue on priority, particularly as traffic movement increases on busy roads.
Attribute the inefficiencies in our government hospitals to the crowd. Fair enough. Try to keep the mess in order with a raised voice. Understandable. Help people stay in a queue. Beautiful. I agree, it must be difficult to listen to a patient, with tens of them already pushing and pulling at him. Easier said than done. I am neither a doctor nor an administrator. But some observations stick out. Even the blind can see them, the deaf can hear them, and the dumb can sniff them out. We suffer from hospital-related issues that go beyond controlling the swarm of people or bringing some semblance of order to it. Our government hospitals are so unorganised that youre sent from one department to another, only to find yourself speaking to an entirely different person. The chain of officials caught in the middle of this pillar-to-post drudgery solves little beyond donning their thinking caps and referring you someplace else. If theyre not at fault, the administrators are not at fault, and the people arent at fault, who will solve what, when, and by what means? You see, its not our cup of tea to have an accurate knowledge of things. What departments are assigned what work? Which official is supposed to sign a piece of paperwork? Its beyond our ken to confirm beforehand whether an official can handle a certain task before sending a patient to him. And so, the patient keeps moving, hoping that the next person will have an answer. The result? Here. There. And nowhere. Bear with my bakwaas. Bakwaas observed. Seen. Gone through. Experienced. Every time I visit government hospitals. Dont lay a scientific yardstick over this piece. Dont look for a judiciary-esque analysis. Dont look for evidence. Understand a common man speaking from firsthand knowledge, with no cameras, of course, to capture the kernel of these loopholes. One feels disgusted and exhausted after waiting two hours for a prescription, followed by another hour outside the doctors chamber. Especially at SMHS. And thats not always where the ordeal ends. There may be another counter to visit, another signature to obtain, another person to consult. Another, another and just another, another. In the age of robotics and quantum technology, we suffer from issues that should have long been resolved. Done and dusted. We form governments; governments overlook the everyday inconveniences that carry the weight of public suffering, and we continue to bear the brunt. Big infrastructure projects and inauguration festivals cant hide the puddles patients tiptoe over on a daily basis. You have to be a common man to observe common happenings unfolding every now and then. If I were to flesh out the details of how a common mans dignity is affected, you would probably get bored: the uncertainty, the delay, and the waiting. A little organisation and clarity could save people hours of unnecessary trouble. Just understand the triad: organisation, responsibility, and humility. Work on these, and the rest will follow. Otherwise, limit the number of patients treated each day to what the hospital can reasonably handle. Thanks!
Stay Safe and Save Electricity with RCCB
After the installation of smart meters, some consumers have reported higher-than-expected electricity bills. One of the primary causes is earth leakage, which the smart meter records as an Earth Load Event. Such leakage not only results in wasteful consumption and higher electricity bills but also poses a serious safety hazard. It is therefore the owners responsibility to identify and prevent earth leakages to ensure electrical safety as well as accurate meter readings. A Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is an effective and reliable device for detecting earth leakage and protecting consumers against the associated electrical hazards. RCCB detects earth leakage in the internal wiring of a building and trips the power supply when the leakage current exceeds its rated sensitivity, which is normally 30 mA. A 30 mA RCCB is widely used as the threshold for protection against potentially fatal electric shocks. Higher-rated RCCBs, such as 100 mA or 300 mA, are primarily intended to protect equipment and reduce the risk of electrical fires. This means that if a person at home receives an electric shock and the leakage current through the body exceeds 30 mA, a 30 mA RCCB is designed to trip and disconnect the power supply. The RCCB typically has a short-circuit withstand rating of 10 kA. It can interrupt residual currents of up to 1 kA and can withstand a lightning impulse of up to 4 kV (1.2/50 s). The RCCB is a continuous, online safety device that monitors electrical wiring and appliances for insulation failure and the resulting leakage current. It operates rapidly whenever insulation breaks down in the wiring or an electrical appliance. In the unfortunate event of a person receiving an electric shock, the RCCB detects the resulting earth leakage and immediately trips the power supply, thereby helping to protect the person from serious injury. The RCCB should be installed by an experienced electrician. In the supply chain, the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) should be installed after the energy meter, followed by the RCCB. After installation, switch on the RCCB and press the test button manually. The RCCB should trip immediately. A functional test may also be carried out by connecting a small test lamp between phase and earth at a suitable point in the house; the RCCB should trip. The earth connection should be through the homes proper earthing system. If no earth connection is available, a temporary connection for earthing should be used for testing. The main sources of electrical leakage are damp areas such as washrooms and kitchens. If the RCCB trips automatically, switch off all branch MCBs on the distribution board. Then switch on the RCCB and the MCBs one by one to identify the circuit which causes tripping of RCCB. Once the faulty circuit is identified, unplug all electrical appliances connected to that circuit. Switch on the MCB again. If RCCB remains ON, reconnect the appliances and switch them on one by one to identify whether any appliance is faulty. The wiring of the affected room or the suspected appliance should then be inspected by an experienced electrician to identify and rectify the leakage or other electrical fault. RCCBs do not protect against overloads or short circuits. You must pair them with an upstream Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) or Main Fuse, or install a combined RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) unit. Ensure the RCCBs current carrying capacity (e.g., 40A, 63A) matches or exceeds the rating of the upstream main circuit breaker to prevent overheating. RCCB is a nuisance if you have leakages in your home but rather bypassing it due to frequent tripping, you should clear the faults as explained. For houses with a single-phase connection, a 2-pole, 40A, 30mA RCCB is widely used for a single-family floor. However, the exact rating must match the buildings electrical load and cannot be lower than the upstream Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB). An RCCB of this rating from reputed manufacturers typically costs between 2,000 and 3,000. Cheaper options in the 1,0002,000 range are also available in the market. Always ensure that the RCCB carries the ISI mark. For houses with three phases connections, 4 pole RCCB should be used. The RCCB should be tested at least once a month by manually pressing the TEST button provided on the device. When the button is pressed, the RCCB should trip immediately and disconnect the power supply. This confirms that the RCCBs residual-current protection mechanism is functioning properly. Regular testing is important because an RCCB may remain unused for long periods, and its tripping mechanism can potentially become stiff or fail to operate properly. A monthly test provides a simple way to detect such problems before the protection is actually needed. When testing an RCCB, the circuit must be live because the test button operates electrically, not mechanically. Pressing the button injects a simulated leakage current into the internal circuit, causing the device to trip. After the RCCB trips during the test, reset it by moving the operating lever to the OFF position and then back to ON. If it does not trip when the TEST button is pressed, do not rely on the RCCB for protection. Have it inspected or replaced by a qualified electrician as soon as possible. Remember: An RCCB, that is not tested regularly, may give a false sense of security. Test it once a month to ensure that it can protect you when needed. As per the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, the use of electricity in an electrical installation is required to be controlled by a Residual Current Device (RCD). Regulation 44 further provides that, in a domestic installation, an RCD having a residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA shall be used, subject to the exception specified in the Regulation. Under Regulation 9.4 of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the UT of Jammu & Kashmir and the UT of Ladakh (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2023, the Distribution Licensee may disconnect the electricity supply where the wiring, apparatus, equipment or electrical installation at a consumers premises is found to be defective or where there is leakage of electricity, subject to the notice and other conditions prescribed under the Regulations. However, it is a matter of concern that only a tiny fraction of buildings in J&K are equipped with RCCBs. In view of this legal framework, the inspectors of JKPDD/Discoms should also verify the availability and proper functioning of RCCBs in every building at the Inspection Clearance stage as well as during Periodic Inspections. This is not only beneficial for the safety of building occupants and owners but also for the reliable operation of the Discoms power distribution system. Multiple earth leakages in the system can cause severe safety and infrastructure hazards, besides creating operational and protection issues. However, this can only be effectively achieved with the cooperation of building owners, who must recognize that the ultimate purpose of this legal framework is to ensure the safety of occupants and to prevent higher electricity bills resulting from electrical leakages. Disclaimer: The RCCB ratings and other specifications mentioned herein are indicative and intended for public awareness only. Since every building has unique electrical requirements, the electrical system should be designed by a qualified electrical professional. For safety and proper functioning; installation, testing, and commissioning should be carried out by an experienced electrician. Er. Bashir Ahmad Dar, Managing Director, JK Green Technologies, Former Managing Director, JKPTCL/ Secretary Technical, JKPDD.
CMs home constituency Ganderbal grapples with 10-hour power cuts despite 142 MW hydropower capacity
Ganderbal, Oct 29:Ganderbal, the home constituency of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is grappling with prolonged and unscheduled power cuts, with residents reporting outages lasting eight to 10 hours daily despite the district hosting three hydropower projects with a combined installed capacity of 142 megawatts (MW). With winter approaching, residents across Ganderbal, Lar, Wayil, Kangan, Gund and other areas have expressed concern over the deteriorating power supply, alleging that unscheduled curtailments have added to their hardships. The district hosts the 15-MW Old Ganderbal Hydel Power Project, the 22-MW Upper Sindh Hydel Power Project-I at Sumbal and the 105-MW Upper Sindh Hydel Power Project-II at Kangan. However, the three projects are currently generating only 26 MW collectively. Official sources told Greater Kashmir that the decline in generation was primarily due to reduced water discharge. The Old Ganderbal project is generating no power, while USHP-I at Sumbal is producing 6 MW against its installed capacity of 22 MW, with one unit undergoing an overhaul. USHP-II at Kangan is generating 20 MW against its installed capacity of 105 MW. Residents said the situation had compounded their difficulties, questioning the authorities' failure to ensure a reliable electricity supply. It is shocking that instead of ensuring regular power supply, the Power Development Department is resorting to extended and unscheduled power cuts, said Showket Ahmed, a resident of Duderhama. Senior PDP leader and social activist Qaisar Sultan also questioned the authorities' accountability, saying prolonged outages continued even after scheduled shutdowns. Residents said repeated power cuts during morning and evening hours were affecting students' studies and disrupting daily life. They alleged that electricity was being curtailed beyond the announced schedule. Mohammad Altaf, a shopkeeper from Kangan, said residents were struggling despite living close to a hydropower project. We live right in the shadow of the Kangan powerhouse, yet our lamps flicker out every evening. It is a cruel irony to generate power for the grid while studying under candle flame, he said. Residents also reported adverse effects on small businesses, industrial units and healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, officials of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) attributed the curtailments to the widening gap between electricity demand and available supply across the Valley. An official said load-shedding and grid curtailments were being implemented to prevent overloading at key receiving stations during peak demand hours. Residents have urged the authorities to adhere to the announced curtailment schedule and ensure a reliable power supply as winter demand increases.
Allah: repository of universal trust
Allah being the repository trust rests on being in possession of all things in heavens and earth, and in being full of wisdomacquainted with all things, as is laid down in following Holy Verses: Praise be to the Allah, to whom belongs all things in heavens and on earth: to Him be Praise in the Hereafter: and He is full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things. (Saba 34:1) The extent of Allah (SwT)s knowledge is infinite, as He Knows all that goes on in the earth and all that comes out of it, and He also has the ultimate knowledge of all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends up to it, as is laid down in the Holy Verse following the one noted above: He knows all that goes into the earth: and all that comes thereof: and all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends thereto, and He is the Most Merciful and Oft Forgiving (Saba 34:2) A glaring example of what goes into the earth is water, as it goes in, out of it sprouts forth all kinds of vegetable life of all varieties of which the seeds are sown, it replenishes numerous rills and streams. We may also speak of the vapours that arise from the earth and ascend to the sky, only to descend as rain &/or snowsymbols of Allahs Mercy, and of His Blessings. On a spiritual plane, we may account for the prayers of the devout, as also the call of those in agony for help and light, the calls that ascend to heavens above and get answered by descend of mercy and guidance, as also by help in innumerable forces, light as well to illuminate the path to righteousness. And how often in our acts of omission and commission, He remains Oft Forgiving.
Srinagar, Oct 29:Principal Census Officer (Urban), Srinagar (Commissioner SMC), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, today inaugurated a two-day training programme for Phase II of Census 2027 at the Central Office, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Karan Nagar, emphasising the need for accurate, systematic and comprehensive Population Enumeration across Srinagars urban jurisdiction. During the inaugural session, Dr. Basharat stressed that all census functionaries must discharge their assigned responsibilities with utmost diligence, precision and accountability to ensure the collection of reliable and error-free population data. He underscored the importance of complete coverage of assigned enumeration areas, accurate recording of individual-level particulars and strict adherence to the prescribed census methodology and guidelines. The Principal Census Officer emphasised the need for effective coordination among Charge Officers, Census Resource Personnel, Census Clerks, Technical Assistants and other functionaries to ensure uniform implementation of prescribed procedures. He highlighted the importance of systematic supervision, regular monitoring of progress, timely reporting and prompt resolution of operational challenges during the enumeration process. Dr. Basharat further stressed that particular attention must be given to preventing omissions, duplication and discrepancies in data collection. He underscored the importance of maintaining data quality, following prescribed technical procedures and ensuring the confidentiality and secure handling of census information. The training programme was attended by the City Census Officer (Urban), Charge Officers, Nodal Officers of SMC, Census Resource Personnel, Census Clerks and Technical Assistants. Experts from the Census Department, including Deputy Director, Assistant Director and District Coordinator, imparted detailed training on census methodology, operational procedures, technical requirements and the responsibilities of various census functionaries. The session will cover key aspects of Population Enumeration, including the collection, recording and verification of individual-level information, adherence to prescribed questionnaires, comprehensive coverage of assigned areas and measures to ensure accuracy and consistency in the data collected. Participants were also briefed on field-level procedures, supervisory mechanisms, digital tools and established reporting protocols. Phase II of Census 2027, comprising Population Enumeration, is a crucial component of the nationwide census exercise, involving the collection of individual-level demographic, socio-economic, educational and other prescribed particulars. The accuracy and completeness of this information are essential for developing a reliable population database. Census data provide a vital foundation for evidence-based policymaking, public administration and development planning. For urban local bodies, reliable population statistics are essential for assessing demographic trends, identifying emerging civic requirements and planning infrastructure and essential public services in accordance with the needs of the population. The two-day training programme marks an important step towards strengthening institutional preparedness and building the capacity of census functionaries for the accurate, coordinated and effective implementation of Phase II of Census 2027 across Srinagars urban jurisdiction.
Moul Mouj Foundation to Pilot Project SANMAAN in J&K
Srinagar, Oct 29:Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), in collaboration with the Geriatric Orthopaedic Society of India (GOSI), will introduce Project SANMAAN, a pan-India initiative promoting senior citizens rights and dignity, as a pilot project in Jammu and Kashmir. Built on three pillarsEmpower, Protect and Sensitisethe initiative aims to raise awareness about the rights of older persons and protect them from neglect, abuse and exploitation. MMF will take the initiative forward through its Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), integrating it with its Intergenerational Communication Project and collaborating with universities, institutions and civil society organisations.
Caring for the elderly is a blessing, not just an obligation
Srinagar, Oct 29:Emphasising the need to respect, care for and stand by older persons, Vice Chancellor of the Cluster University, Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin, today called for greater sensitivity towards the elderly, observing that caring for them is a shared responsibility of families and society. Addressing a programme organised at Government College for Women (GCW), MA Road, Srinagar, as the Chief Guest, Prof. Mobin said older persons must not be left behind as society progresses. He reminded the audience that parents spend their most productive years raising their children, making sacrifices and building their futures. The time eventually comes when the younger generation must give back with the same love, patience and commitment, ensuring that their parents age with dignity, security and a sense of belonging. Under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the programme was organised by RRTCAnugraha, Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women, MA Road, Srinagar, with Moul Mouj Foundation supporting the broader awareness initiative. Welcoming the participants, Principal GCW, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq Khan said that issues concerning older persons were close to the institutions heart. She observed that caring for elderly should be our priority, calling for greater compassion and understanding towards their needs. A special highlight of the programme was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, which brought together legal, law-enforcement, social and administrative perspectives on ageing. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi (IAS Retd.), former Commissioner/Secretary, J&K Government, brought the perspective of an experienced public servant, highlighting the need to ensure that retirement does not mean retirement from life. The discussion underscored the importance of respecting the wisdom, experience and continuing contributions of older persons. Tahir Ashraf (JKPS), Senior Superintendent of Police, SIA, addressed the growing threat of cybercrime targeting older persons, particularly digital arrest scams and financial fraud. The discussion highlighted the importance of digital awareness and the need for younger family members to help older persons navigate technology safely without compromising their independence. Tabassum Qadir Parray, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, spoke on the legal rights and protection available to senior citizens, including remedies for neglect, abandonment and abuse under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. In her message, Aabha Chaudhary of RRTCAnugraha reaffirmed the organisations commitment to working for the welfare of older persons and spreading awareness about their social and legal rights. The programme featured an emotional skit by GCW MA Road students, cultural performances, a Wakathon and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam plantation activity, promoting intergenerational bonding, respect and care for the elderly. Winners of the essay-writing competition on issues concerning senior citizens were announced, with Nausheen Qureshi securing first position, Ayesha Faisal second and Shifa Qureshi third. Certificates and cash prizes were distributed among the winners. The programme also recognised the contributions of the colleges alumni, former principals and faculty members, felicitating them for their association with the institution. Senior citizens participating from various organisations, including the Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association (CGPWA), Kashmir and Ahata Waqar, were also felicitated. Among those present were Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi; Controller of Examinations, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Dean, Sciences, Prof. Nighat Nasreen; Dean, Social Sciences, Dr. Javaid Ahmad Bhat; Prof. Masooda Yaseen; Mandip Kaur; GM Dilshad, besides students, senior citizens and representatives of various organisations. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Suhail, who expressed gratitude to the guests, participating organisations, faculty members, students and senior citizens for contributing to the success of the event.
NIT Srinagar hosts vigilance lecture
Srinagar, Oct 29: As part of Vigilance Awareness Week celebrations, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar organised a special awareness lecture to sensitise faculty members, officers, staff, and students about the importance of integrity, transparency, accountability and the prevention of corruption in public institutions. A statement of NIT issued here said that Senior Public Prosecuting Officer, Anti-Corruption Bureau Ashok Kumar Bagoria was the chief guest and highlighted the importance of vigilance in ensuring accountable governance. The programme was attended by Director NIT Srinagar, Prof AnuragMisra; CVO NIT Srinagar Prof Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger; Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof M A Shah, Heads of Departments (HoDs), administrative officers; and ministerial staff of NIT Srinagar. In his key speech, Bagoria encouraged participants to remain aware of the appropriate mechanisms for reporting suspected corruption and misconduct. He also discussed the significance of public awareness in identifying corrupt practices, understanding legal procedures and approaching competent authorities whenever credible instances of wrongdoing come to light. Bagoriaemphasised the importance of responsible reporting, factual information and adherence to established legal channels while raising complaints. The lecture also highlighted the role of the Anti-Corruption Bureau in addressing corruption-related matters within its jurisdiction and the importance of cooperation between citizens and competent authorities in strengthening accountability. Participants were encouraged to understand that vigilance is a collective responsibility requiring ethical conduct, awareness of legal rights and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Addressing the gathering, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof AnuragMisra, emphasised that integrity, transparency and accountability are fundamental to building a trustworthy institutional environment. He highlighted the importance of sensitising students and employees about ethical responsibilities and encouraged the institute community to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Earlier, Chief Vigilance Officer, NIT Srinagar, Prof Manzoor Ahmad Ahnagar, in his welcome address underscored the importance of preventive vigilance and collective responsibility in discouraging corrupt practices. He stressed that awareness, adherence to established procedures and timely reporting of suspected irregularities are essential for strengthening institutional governance and public confidence. The programme highlighted the importance of vigilance in educational institutions, where transparent administrative procedures, responsible use of public resources, and adherence to established rules are essential to maintaining institutional credibility and public trust. The Dean, Alumni and International Affairs, Prof M A Shah, delivered the vote of thanks and thanked the chief guest and participants for their contribution to the awareness initiative.
France confers Legion of Honour on Sunil Bharti Mittal
Srinagar, Oct 29: France has conferred its highest civilian honour, the Legion of Honour, on Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Indo-French economic ties and his achievements in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and satellite communications. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, presented Mittal with the insignia of Chevalier de lOrdre national de la Lgiondhonneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour) during a ceremony at the Residence of France on October 28. Addressing the gathering, Mathou highlighted Mittals longstanding role in fostering economic partnerships between India and France, particularly through investments and collaborations in telecommunications, insurance and satellite communications. The conferring of the Chevalier de lOrdre national de la Lgiondhonneur on Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal comes in recognition of his outstanding contribution in promoting Indo-French economic ties, Mathou said. He noted that Mittal had strengthened business relations with France through partnerships involving AXA, the French multinational insurance group, and Alcatel-Lucent, the telecommunications equipment company. He also highlighted Mittals investment in Eutelsat, the French satellite communications company, as a contribution to Frances strategic ambitions in the space sector. According to Mathou, the honour reflects Frances appreciation of Mittals commitment to strengthening bilateral business relations through strategic partnerships, high-level diplomatic engagement and investments in satellite communications. Accepting the distinction, Mittal said he was humbled by the recognition from the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. My association with France began at Airtels inception in 1992, when CompagnieGnrale des Eaux joined hands with Bharti to introduce mobile telephony in India, and continues today through my role as Vice-Prsident of Eutelsat, the European satellite champion, Mittal said. He expressed gratitude to Macron for the honour and reiterated his commitment to deepening economic relations between India and France. I accept this honour with gratitude to President Macron and with a renewed commitment to further deepen the economic ties between India and France, he said. The recognition comes as India and France continue to expand cooperation in strategic sectors, including space and digital technology, under their Special Global Strategic Partnership. Mittals role as vice-chairman of Eutelsat further underscores the growing importance of private-sector partnerships in advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in satellite communications and digital connectivity.
Nearly 1 in 2 health supplement samples tested in J&K fail standards
Srinagar, Oct 29:For people buying protein powders, calcium and vitamins or any other health supplement, the price on the label is just a small part of the equation. What should worry the consumers is whether the product contains what it claims, in the same quantity one requires, and is not laced with dangerous additives and impurities. In J&K, the concern has been exaggerated by the recent findings by the Food and Drugs Administration (Drug and Food Control Organisation). It found of the 328 nutraceutical samples collected over six months, 136 were found non-conforming to prescribed standards. That translates into more than four out of every 10 samples failing the checks, necessary for safety of consumers. Commendably, more samples have been taken by the J&K FDA, for a better clarity on what is in the bottles and strips that consumers pay a hefty amount for. The findings bring to focus the quality of products marketed for health and nutrition. Although the findings do not establish that all the failed products were unsafe or ineffective, the officials in the department said many were found to have active ingredients less than what was written on the label. Many, the officials said, had preservatives that had not even been declared on the label. Further testing, they said, is going on. For consumers, product claims and packaging are the main sources of information available while purchasing. The concerns are not limited to J&K. Just last week, samples of iron injection, multi-vitamins and calcium failed tests carried out by CDSCO, GoI. Haryana, and some other states FDA has also started a drive on testing of neautraceuticals. An independent study led by hepatologistDrCyriac Abby Philipsexamined 36 popular protein supplements sold in India. The results were disturbing there were discrepancies between declared and measured protein content. There also was detection of contaminants in some products. The results of this study were published in the journal Medicine in April 2024. Carried out under the banner - the Citizens Protein Project, it examined protein content, fungal toxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, steroids and other compounds. The tests, that had been carried out at the most advanced labs in India, found most of the products did not meet their labelled protein content, while some contained higher-than-declared amounts. This raised concerns about possible protein or amino-acid spiking. Shockingly, aflatoxins were also detected in four products, while pesticide residues and heavy metals were also traced in some of the samples. The study, perhaps the only one of its kind in India, highlighted why declared nutritional content and laboratory verification matter to consumers who pay for specific ingredients and quantities. A consumer buying a supplement for its advertised protein content or nutritional composition is, in many cases, not getting exactly what the label promises. Nutraceuticals and health supplements are subject to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's regulatory framework, including the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Foods) Regulations, 2016, alongside other applicable food safety and labelling requirements.
HC strikes down water usage charges on hydel projects
Srinagar, Oct 29:In a significant decision, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh Thursday struck down the levy of water usage charges on hydropower projects under the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010. In response to independent power producers pleas, which it allowed finally, a Division Bench of Justice Sanjay Dhar and Justice Rajnesh Oswal declared the Act of 2010 ultra vires the constitution to extent it imposed water usage charges upon the aggrieved companies and struck it down to that extent. The court noted that the charges effectively amounted to a tax on electricity generation that the erstwhile state legislature was not competent to impose, even as it restrained the government from imposing any tax on the generation of electricity under the garb of water usage charges or any other tax. Eleven independent power producers (IPPs) had petitioned court through their counsel, Shariq J Reyaz while two others had approached it through senior advocate Pranav Kohli, challenging the levy of charges for the use of water in generating hydroelectricity. The companies had questioned the legality of the charges imposed under the 2010 Act, contending that the use of water by hydropower projects was non-consumptive and that the levy, in substance, amounted to a tax on electricity generation rather than a fee for the use of water. They had also challenged the demand notices issued by the authorities in respect of water usage charges for generation of electricity pursuant to the provisions contained in the act. Opposing the pleas, the J&K government defended the levy with the contention that water resources fell within the legislative domain of the state and that the charges were regulatory in nature. In its stand, the Union of India had maintained that the state legislature was not competent to impose a tax on electricity generation, as the relevant constitutional entry empowers states to tax the consumption or sale of electricity, but not its generation. Disagreeing with the J&K governments stand, the court noted that the nature of a levy had to be determined by its substance and actual operation rather than the nomenclature assigned to it. The bench observed that the charges were calculated with reference to the head height from which water was used to propel turbines, rather than the quantity of water drawn or consumed. This indicated that the levy was linked to the electricity-generating potential of the water, it noted. Moreover, the court observed that the charges collected from hydropower projects were intended to fund the establishment of hydel and multipurpose hydroelectric projects, purchase of existing projects, investment in transmission and distribution networks, and procurement of electricity by the government or its entities. Since the levy was not linked to any specific service rendered to the hydropower projects, it possessed the character of a tax rather than a water usage fee, the court underscored. The erstwhile state legislature, it said, lacked the competence to impose such a tax when the legislation was enacted in 2010. Even if it is assumed that usage charges constitute a tax on water and not a tax on generation of electricity, still then the respondent-State does not have a case to save the legislation, the bench said, adding, This is so because even if it is assumed that the land includes water or that water is mineral still then in the face of nature of categorization of various fields in entries appearing in the State List, it becomes clear that waterfalls under a separate and distinct category whereas land and minerals fall under distinct categories. While the water has been categorized separately under Entry 17 of List-II, the court said, the land has been categorised separately under Entry 18 of List-II with taxing Entry 49. Taxing entry for minerals is Entry 50 of List-II. However, there is no taxing entry in the State List in respect of the water, the court said. It also rejected J&K governments argument that the subsequent adoption of the Act of 2010 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, could validate a provision that was unconstitutional at its inception. The argument appears to be an attempt in desperation to save the impugned legislation. If we have a look at the provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act, it becomes clear that what is being provided under the said Act is saving of certain State enactments and repeal of certain others, the court said. It also said that the legislation also provides for extension of Central enactments to the UTs of J&K and Ladakh and adoption of State enactments. Merely because the Act provides for adoption of State enactments and saves their application to UTs of J&K and Ladakh, the enactments do not become the enactments passed by the Parliament, the court underlined. If we accept the said argument, it would lead to absurdities. It shall result in a situation where a subject which, as per the Reorganisation Act, is reserved for the UT of J&K for legislative and executive powers, would become a subject of the Union Government, the court said This is not the intention of the J&K Reorganisation Act. In fact, Section 32(1) of the said Act clearly delineates the subjects over which the UT of J&K has legislative and executive powers. Merely because the certain State Acts have been adopted in terms of the J&K Re-organisation Act, which is an enactment of the Parliament, the adopted enactments would not cease to be enactments of the State of UT of J&K. The court concluded by declaring the relevant provisions of the 2010 Act ultra vires the constitution and struck them down insofar as they imposed water usage charges on the petitioners' hydropower projects.
Judge blocks Trump administration's Medicaid rule forcing sick recipients to prove frailty
A federal judge has ruled that chronically ill people on Medicaid wont be bound by new work requirement rules that the latest Trump administration guidance requires in order to qualify for medically frail exemptions
Scientists buried microplastics in a New Zealand harbour to study storm effects
GOC Northern Command reviews operational preparedness, security dynamics in Poonch and Rajouri
Poonch, Oct 29: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Armys Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Thursday visited frontline unites along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and hinterland formations in Rajouri to review operational preparedness and prevailing security dynamics. During his visit, the Army Commander was briefed on operational challenges, joint intelligence frameworks and synergy with security agencies. Interacting with the troops, the Army Commander exhorted all ranks to remain proactive, vigilant and mission-ready to sustain operational dominance.
India's pharma exports rise 4.9% in H1: Pharmexcil
Experts warn of wider spread as Ebola outbreak reaches plateau
A major challenge in Congo is limited contact tracing and collaboration with affected communities; health workers sometimes spend more time trying to convince locals to work with them than giving care
Gold steady at Rs 1.46 lakh/10 gm in Delhi; silver rises Rs 500/kg
New Delhi, Oct 29: Gold prices were steady at Rs 1.46 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday as jewellers and retailers remained cautious about fresh purchases amid elevated rates. Silver prices, however, rose by Rs 500 to Rs 1,98,500 per kilogram, inclusive of all taxes, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The white metal closed unchanged at Rs 1.98 lakh per kg on Wednesday. Traders said gold prices remained steady as jewellers and retailers were cautious about fresh buying amid high prices. Domestic gold prices remained steady on Thursday, following range-bound movements in international markets amid mixed signals, said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst of Commodities at HDFC Securities. A hawkish stance by the US Federal Reserve overshadowed support from a decline in US Treasury yields and crude oil prices, he said. In international markets, spot gold fell by USD 49.38, or 1.21 per cent, to USD 4,018.08 per ounce, while silver declined 3 per cent to USD 52.41 per ounce. Gold remained under pressure to hover around USD 4,024 per ounce on Thursday, as the Federal Reserve's hawkish outlook and persistent energy-driven inflation strengthen expectations of further monetary policy tightening, said Vedika Narvekar, Research Analyst- Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Ltd. Firm crude oil prices, uncertainty around the Fed's policy path and equity-market liquidations are adding to volatility, although geopolitical risks and central-bank buying may offer support, she said.
Police arrest 8 drug peddlers in Anantnag, contraband substance recovered
Srinagar, Oct 29: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag arrested eight drug peddlers in multiple operations conducted across the district in a single day, and recovered significant quantity of contraband substances from their possession. A police spokesperson said that at Pehru Crossing, a police party from Police Post Sherbagh arrested Abid Ahmad Mir, son of Bashir Ahmad Mir, resident of Chak Hangulgund, Kokernag, during naka checking and recovered approximately 118 grams of charas from his possession. Similarly, a police party from Police Station Kokernag arrested Mohammad Arif Naikoo, son of Abdul Gani Naikoo, resident of Gadool at link road connecting Bidder with Irkumoo, and recovered approximately 12 grams of charas from his possession. He said that during naka checking near Kirkadal, Bijbehara, a police party from Police Station Bijbehara arrested Tajdar Amin Khan, son of Mohd Amin Khan, resident of Sitari Mohalla, Bijbehara, and recovered approximately 20.6 grams of heroin from his possession. Meanwhile, in two separate incidents, Police Station Anantnag arrested Amir Hussain Sheikh son of Abdul Hamid Sheikh resident of Donipawa, Anantnag, and Bilal Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Rashid Dar resident of Halpora, Kokernag. Approximately 8 grams and 17 grams of charas, respectively, were recovered from their possession. At Sangam, a police party from Police Post Sangam arrested Mehboob Hussain Shah son of Maqbool Hussain Shah resident of Surankote, Poonch, and recovered 19 grams of charas from his possession. Besides, at Link Road Shehlipora, opposite NH-244/Stone Quarry, Achabal, a police party from PS Achabal arrested Moomin Nazir Wagay, son of Nazir Ahmad Wagay, resident of Kanganhal, and recovered approximately 19 grams of charas, including packing material from his possession. At Harnag, a police party from Police Post Khanabal apprehended Rahil Mushtaq Bhat, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, resident of Aung Matipora, Anantnag, and recovered 150 grams of charas from his possession. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigations have been initiated, spokesperson added. Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying action against drug trafficking and appealed to the public to cooperate in the collective fight against drug abuse and work towards a drug-free society.
Kashmiri Singer Jamila Bashir Urges Support for New Singers and Regional Languages | GKTV Interview
