CM Omar meets HM Amit Shah in New Delhi, discusses issues concerning J&K
Srinagar, Sep 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting focused on restoration of statehood, finalisation of the Transaction of Business Rules, rationalisation of reservations, and other important matters concerning public welfare and development. The Chief Minister also briefed the Home Minister on the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to begin in Srinagar next week, and thanked him for the timely assistance being extended to J&K in the wake of flood-related damage across several areas.
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J&K becomes fully literate UT with 98.43 percent literacy rate: Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, Sep 4: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved the status of a Fully Literate Union Territory, with Education Minister Sakeena Itoo announcing a literacy rate of 98.43 percent under the ULLAS, NBSK programme. Itoo described the achievement as a historic milestone and credited teachers, officers, volunteers and learners for their efforts in taking education to communities across J&K. In a post on X, Itoo said: My beloved people of Jammu & Kashmir, today, we celebrate a historic milestone. A moment of immense pride for every citizen of J&K. With deep honour, I declare that Jammu & Kashmir has achieved the noble distinction of becoming a Fully Literate Union Territory, recording an outstanding literacy rate of 98.43% under the ULLAS NBSK. Jammu & Kashmir is now fully literate. Let us celebrate this with pride. From the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, our teachers, officers, volunteers, and learners carried the torch of education into every community. Their dedication has transformed lives and strengthened the foundation of a brighter future. This achievement belongs to every teacher who taught, every volunteer who served, every officer who guided, and above all, every learner who chose to learn. The minister expressed her heartfelt gratitude to chief minister Omar Abdullah for his visionary leadership, constant guidance, and unwavering commitment towards strengthening education and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir. But let us remember this is not the end of our journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where education will continue to guide Jammu & Kashmir towards peace, progress, dignity, equality, and prosperity. This is your victory your legacy and your gift to generations yet to come, Itoo said on X. My beloved people of Jammu & Kashmir, Today, we celebrate a historic milestone. A moment of immense pride for every citizen of J&K. With deep honour, I declare that Jammu & Kashmir has achieved the noble distinction of becoming a Fully Literate Union Territory, recording an Sakina Itoo (@sakinaitoo) September 4, 2026
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New Delhi, Sep 4: Air India on Friday terminated the services of the pilot-in-command of Phuket-Delhi flight who had tested positive for drug use. The announcement from the airline came hours after probe agency AAIB's preliminary report into the Phuket flight incident said the drug use by the pilot was a serious concern and asked regulator DGCA to take appropriate action. The Pilot-in-Command of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. In line with Air India's zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot's employment has been terminated with immediate effect, the airline said in a statement. On August 4, the Phuket-Delhi flight, operating with an A320 plane, suddenly lost nearly 300 feet altitude and many people who were on board suffered injuries. In the preliminary report, AAIB said the plane carrying 145 people suffered near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet, triggering an autopilot disconnect, a brief stall warning and an altitude upset that injured 24 people.
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Is The Second IVF Cycle More Successful Than The First One? Gynaecologist Answers
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Lupin gets USFDA approval for Modafinil tablets to treat excessive sleepiness
Pharmaceutical major Lupin announced its USFDA approval for Modafinil tablets. These tablets are used to treat excessive sleepiness in adult patients. The approved drug is bioequivalent to Provigil Tablets of Nuvo Pharmaceuticals. Modafinil tablets had estimated annual sales of USD 70.7 million in the United States. Lupin currently operates 15 manufacturing facilities globally.
Gold rises Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,60,900/10g; silver stays flat in Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 4: Gold prices rose for the second straight session, climbing by Rs 1,400 to nearly Rs 1.61 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity climbed by Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,60,900 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Thursday's closing level of Rs 1,59,500 per 10 grams, according to local traders. However, silver prices were unchanged at Rs 2,40,500 per kilogram. Traders said the rise in gold prices came as buying interest remained firm in the domestic bullion market, even as investors turned cautious ahead of key global economic data that could influence the trajectory of interest rates and outlook for precious metals. Domestic silver prices have corrected over 40 per cent from the January peak of above Rs 4 lakh per kg to around Rs 2.3 lakh-2.4 lakh per kg, but investment demand remains subdued, raising concerns over dealer inventories, Siddhartha Khemka - Head of Research, Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said. Around 2,000 tonnes of silver ordered by Indian dealers could add to the inventory overhang if demand does not recover, he said. Globally, spot gold fell marginally to USD 4,465.34 per ounce, while silver traded 0.38 per cent lower at USD 66.72 per ounce. Traders are taking a cautious stance ahead of the important August (US) non-farm payrolls report, which is contributing to a range-bound movement in the market, said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst of Commodities at HDFC Securities. Gandhi said market attention is firmly focused on the US employment data, followed by next week's inflation figures, for further cues on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook. Weaker-than-expected data could extend the dollar's decline and support gold, while stronger figures or renewed hawkish signals from the Fed could revive rate-hike expectations and weigh on prices, he added.
Ladakh's long-pending barren land issue resolved; thousands set to get proprietary rights
Leh, Sep 4: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday approved the regularisation rules of 'nautor lands', paving the way for the grant of proprietary rights over eligible barren land and resolving a long-pending issue concerning thousands of landholders in the Union territory. Nautor land refers to barren or wasteland owned by the government and historically allotted to individuals for cultivation or other productive purposes. More than 60,000 acres of land in Ladakh is presently recorded in revenue records as nautor holdings. The new rules in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Nautor Regularisation) Rules, 2026, provide a comprehensive framework for granting proprietary rights over up to 10 acres of eligible nautor land to occupants across all seven districts of Ladakh, an official spokesperson said. Nautor land beyond the 10-acre limit may be allotted on a leasehold basis in accordance with the rules. The rules introduce a one-time regularisation mechanism for nautor land occupied before October 27, 2020, the date on which the JK tenancy act, 1980 was repealed. Any possession of such land after the cut-off date will not be eligible for regularisation, he said. The new framework also vests the authority to allot nautor land with the LAHDCs in all seven districts. Under Section 42 of the Ladakh autonomous hill development councils act, 1997, land within the district stands transferred to the Council, while clause (i) of Section 23 vests executive powers in the Council in relation to the allotment, use and occupation of land vested in it, the rules state. Saxena said the rules seek to strike a balance between protecting the legitimate interests of genuine nautor landholders and safeguarding public and Council land from encroachment and unauthorised claims. The nautor issue has a deep historical connection with the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ladakh. For generations, our people have worked hard to bring barren and waste land under cultivation in one of the most challenging agricultural environments in the country, the lieutenant governor said. These rules provide a transparent and uniform mechanism to address this long-pending issue and give legal certainty to genuine holders. It will also enable such land to be utilised as a financial asset, including for availing bank loans, he added. The spokesperson said the absence of a clear and uniform legal framework had restricted effective utilisation of nautor land, particularly for holders who did not possess proprietary rights and were consequently unable to use the land as a financial asset, including for obtaining loans. At the same time, the new framework is aimed at preventing disputes and unauthorised claims over government and council land, he added. Under the rules, genuinely eligible nautor holders can be granted proprietary rights up to 10 acres, with the amount payable for proprietary rights fixed at the market rate notified by the administration for the concerned revenue village, he added. For nautor holdings beyond 10 acres, proprietary rights may be allotted on a leasehold basis, with the premium fixed at 80 per cent of the notified market rate. For 'Gair Mustaqil' holdings, field verification by revenue authorities will be mandatory to establish the identity of the occupant, area under occupation, nature and extent of cultivation, date of possession, and whether the occupation existed before the prescribed cut-off date, he added. Gair Mustaqil land refers to a holding where the occupant or cultivator does not have the same permanent proprietary status as a Mustaqil (permanent) holder. In the case of Mustaqil landholdings, the respective LAHDC will determine whether field verification is required based on ground realities. The rules stipulate that abandoned land or land found to have been encroached upon will not qualify for allotment and will be liable to eviction, the spokesperson said. Nautor land mutated before the October 27, 2020 cut-off date, where a change in land use has taken place, may also be considered for regularisation, subject to formal approval of the change in land use by the competent authority. Land regularised under the rules can be mortgaged with scheduled banks, financial institutions and government-backed lending agencies for development of the land. In municipal areas, planning areas and areas covered by master plans, zonal plans or development authorities, the use of land will have to strictly conform to applicable planning regulations. The rules also provide for periodic review and audit of allotments and regularisations. Any violation, misrepresentation, concealment of facts, non-utilisation, unauthorised transfer or breach of conditions may lead to cancellation or resumption of the land. The rules will now be placed in the public domain for a two-week consultation period before their final notification, the spokesperson stated.
India harnessing power of its industry for space programmes: Amit Shah on EOS-05 launch
New Delhi, Sep 4: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists on successfully placing the country's first-ever imaging satellite into geosynchronous orbit. ISRO on Friday launched the EOS-05 satellite, placing the over 2,300 kg payload into a precise orbit using a GSLV rocket. In a message on X, Shah said, Congratulations to @ISRO scientists as GSLV-F17 successfully carried EOS-05 into orbit. India now has its first-ever imaging satellite operating from geosynchronous orbit. Under the leadership of Modi Ji, India is emerging as a self-reliant and ambitious nation, harnessing the power of its industry for its space programs, he said. Friday's launch marked the space agency's maiden success for 2026. The eye in the sky, as one of the senior scientists involved in the mission described the satellite, is set to provide real-time imagery and help the nation in areas like agriculture and disaster management. The satellite was successfully placed in the intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit, about 18 minutes after it lifted off from the spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, ISRO announced. The GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission is said to be a replacement for the unsuccessful GSLV-F-10/EOS-03 mission of 2021.
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Terrorist killed, AK rifle recovered during Budgam encounter: Army
Srinagar, Sep 4: One terrorist was killed and an AK rifle along with other war-like stores were recovered during an ongoing joint operation in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam, Army said on Friday. The operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The Armys Chinar Corps said in a post on X that a joint search operation was launched in the general area of Ashdar Gali under Operation ASHDAR. According to the Army, troops observed suspicious movement during the operation and challenged the suspected terrorists, who responded by opening fire. The security forces retaliated, resulting in an exchange of gunfire in which one terrorist was killed, the Army said. During the exchange of gunfire, one terrorist was neutralised and one AK rifle along with other war-like stores were recovered, the Chinar Corps said. The Army said the search operation remains underway in the area. The identity of the slain terrorist and details of the other recovered items are yet to be ascertained.
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EPG seeks chief secretarys intervention for conservation of geological site Guryul Ravine
Srinagar, Sep 4: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has sought the urgent intervention of the Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, for the protection and conservation of the Guryul Ravine, a site of exceptional geological and palaeontological significance recognised by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as a Geoheritage Site of National Importance. In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Secretary, EPG has sought an action-taken status on the steps taken by the Government pursuant to the GSI's communication dated December 17, 2025, regarding issuance of the necessary notification and conservation of the Guryul-Khunmoh-Mandekpal fossil landscape. EPG has also drawn the Government's attention to the GSI's August 2026 communication, in which the national geological body stated that a joint inspection by the GSI and the District Administration was conducted on March 12, 2026, for conservation and development of the site. The GSI has further recorded that the matter of according urgent legal protection to the Guryul Ravine under Dachigam National Park and its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) has been discussed with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the GSI, the Guryul Ravine section falls within the Dachigam ESZ and the required notification by the Government of J&K is awaited. EPG has expressed concern over reported development and construction activity associated with the Khonmoh Industrial Estate in the vicinity of the Guryul Ravine. The Group has urged the Government to ascertain whether any ongoing or proposed development has the potential to affect, encroach upon or otherwise compromise the geological and palaeontological features of the nationally significant site. The Group has emphasised that protection of Guryul Ravine should not be viewed merely as a conservation obligation but also as an opportunity to create a major centre for geological tourism, scientific research and education in Jammu and Kashmir. EPG said that, if scientifically conserved, properly demarcated and professionally developed, the site has tremendous potential to attract international tourists, researchers, geologists, palaeontologists, scientists, students and other visitors interested in earth sciences and natural history. The unique fossil landscape could potentially become an important destination for knowledge-based and scientific tourism, generating employment and local economic activity while enhancing Jammu and Kashmir's profile on the international geotourism map. The Group pointed to the experience of China, which has developed and promoted several fossil and palaeontological sites as tourism and educational destinations, demonstrating the significant economic and tourism value that can be generated from geological heritage when such sites are scientifically conserved and professionally managed. Guryul Ravine has the potential to become much more than a protected geological site. With proper conservation, interpretation facilities, scientific infrastructure and responsible tourism planning, it can emerge as an international destination for researchers, scientists, students and tourists. Destroying or compromising such a site through unplanned development would amount to an irreversible loss of both scientific heritage and a significant future tourism opportunity, EPG said. In its communication, EPG has specifically sought information on the action taken pursuant to the GSI's December 2025 communication; the present status of the proposed Government notification; and the findings and recommendations of the joint inspection conducted on March 12, 2026. The Group has also sought clarification on whether the boundaries of the Guryul Ravine Geoheritage Site have been scientifically surveyed and demarcated on the ground, including through the installation of marker pillars referred to by the GSI. EPG has further requested the Government to clarify whether the ongoing development at Khonmoh Industrial Estate has been examined against the identified area of the Geoheritage Site and whether a fresh joint inspection involving the GSI, District Administration and concerned departments will be undertaken to establish the ground position. The Group has also sought details of measures taken to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and conservation safeguards arising from the site's location within the Dachigam National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone. EPG has urged the Chief Secretary to treat the matter as urgent and direct the concerned authorities to undertake an immediate joint verification of the site and the ongoing industrial development. The Group has further requested that no activity capable of adversely affecting the geological or palaeontological features of the Guryul Ravine be permitted until its boundaries, conservation requirements and the implications of ongoing development have been duly examined by the competent authorities. EPG has sought to be apprised of the action taken pursuant to the GSI's communication, the outcome of the March 2026 joint inspection and the status of the proposed Government notification for protection of the Guryul Ravine.
Interns doctors reject one-month deadline after meeting health minister, strike to continue
Srinagar, Sep 4: A delegation of protesting interns met Health Minister Sakina Itoo and the Chief Ministers Advisor to discuss their long-pending demand and apprise them of the concerns being faced by intern doctors. During the meeting, the Health Minister, according to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), asked the interns to give the government one months time to address the stipend issue. However, the protesting interns rejected the proposed timeframe and maintained that the strike would continue. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Incharge AIMSA, who accompanied the delegation, said, The interns have already waited for a long time. We want a clear and concrete commitment from the government rather than another assurance. If the matter can be resolved, why should interns be asked to wait for another month? We need clarity on how long it will actually take. The interns said they would withdraw the strike only after receiving a written government order confirming the stipend hike. Meanwhile, AIMSA leaders Dr Tasaduk, Dr Akib, Dr Shahnawaz, Dr Faraz and Dr Zamin were part of the delegation. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan also supported and coordinated the interns efforts.
Meeting between doctors and govt fails, strike to continue, say medicos
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MANUU Officials Hold Interaction with Madrasa Representatives in Ramban on Equivalency System
Banihal, Sep 04: Officials of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, held an interaction with representatives of around 15 madrasas in Ramban district to brief them about the universitys equivalency system and admission opportunities. MANUU Sub-Regional Director Dr Abdul Ghani, accompanied by Dr Bilal Makhdoomi and Section Officer of the Regional Office Sudhir, visited Darul Hadith Salafiya, Imamabad, Ramban, where detailed discussions were held with madrasa managements. During the meeting, the MANUU team explained the procedure, eligibility conditions, documentation and other formalities required for recognition/equivalency of madrasa qualifications under the universitys prescribed norms. The officials informed the participants that madrasas seeking equivalency are required to fulfil certain conditions, including functioning under a properly constituted and registered body, maintaining details of their curriculum and teaching system, and having a transparent examination system, besides meeting other prescribed requirements. The meeting also discussed MANUUs distance education system, through which eligible students can pursue higher education while continuing their existing studies or teaching activities. The university provides academic support through its study centres in different areas. The officials also highlighted the availability of higher education programmes through Urdu, which can provide an opportunity for students with a madrasa education background to continue their studies in various disciplines. Madrasa representatives sought information from the MANUU officials on the equivalency process and related requirements. The university team explained the prescribed procedures and formalities and encouraged the institutions to follow the norms while applying for the facility.
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Amid protest, intern doctors to meet Health Minister at CMs office
Srinagar, Sep 04: The protest by MBBS and BDS intern doctors demanding an enhancement in their monthly stipend entered its fifth consecutive day on Friday, with the protesting interns scheduled to meet Health Minister Sakina Itoo. According to details available, a delegation of interns met Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, this morning to discuss the issue and convey their concerns. Meanwhile, sources said the delegation is also scheduled to meet Health Minister Sakina Itoo at the Chief Ministers Rabitq Office today afternoon. The interns said they are hopeful that the meeting will lead to a concrete decision on their long-pending demand. We will decided our future course of action after meeting the Health Minister. We will continue our strike if concrete steps are not taken, they said. The protesting interns are seeking an increase in their existing monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, arguing that the present amount does not adequately reflect the workload, responsibilities and rising cost of living faced by medical interns during their compulsory internship. The protesting doctors have also warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands are not met.(KNO)
Moopen family picks up additional stake in Aster DM Quality Care for Rs 350 cr
Union (Mauritius) Holdings acquired a 0.57 percent stake for Rs 350.34 crore. This acquisition increased the Moopen family's total shareholding to approximately 24.58 percent. The transaction involved purchasing equity shares from Centella Mauritius Holdings Ltd. The deal was executed at a price of Rs 760 per share on September 2. Aster DM Quality Care now operates a network of 39 hospitals across 28 cities.
Army pays tribute in Akhnoor to para commando who died in Haryana during training
Jammu, Sep 04: A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Rakh Muthi village in Jammu district's Akhnoor belt on Friday to pay tribute to Special Forces commando Naik Ajay Kumar, who died during a training exercise at Hathnikund in Haryana. Kumar, a resident of Nood, Nai Basti, tragically died during a boat-training drill in the Yamuna river at Hathnikund, Yamunanagar. Brigadier R Shankar, Commander, Manawar Yoddha Brigade, was among the senior Army officers present at the wreath-laying ceremony and paid homage to the braveheart. They laid wreath at the mortal remains of the soldier. The mortal remains were brought to his native place in Akhnoor on Friday. Family members, relatives and local residents gathered to pay their last respects to the soldier and saluted his courage, sacrifice and dedication to the nation. The martyrdom of the Special Forces commando evoked grief across Akhnoor, with people joining the family in mourning and paying homage to the fallen soldier.
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Trump turns to dual economic, military approach in latest attempt to squeeze Iran
Washington, Sep 04: Confronted by an intransigent Iranian government that has refused to back down in the face of a massive military campaign, President Donald Trump appears to have settled on a dual-pronged approach that combines economic pressure with the potential of a devastating escalation in force. Having launched Operation Economic Outcast just last week to try to isolate Iran from its remaining global trade partners, the Trump administration also resumed strikes in recent days, prompting Iranian retaliation that has renewed concerns of an all-out regional war. However, the combination of already intense sanctions on Iran and an off-and-on bombing campaign since the war began more than six months ago has not bowed the Iranian leadership and has left the administration struggling to find a way to wind down the conflict. Tehran has dug in its heels -- to Trump's frustration -- as energy prices rise, the global economy roils and poll numbers on the administration's handling of the war dip ahead of November's midterm congressional elections. Trump said Wednesday that he didn't think the conflict would last much longer, but he again shrugged off suggestions that its unpopularity and high gasoline prices resulting from Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz would affect the elections for Republicans. It doesn't matter. And I'm not affected by the election, he told reporters. I'm not running. But my party is running, and I'm going to help my party. But I think my party respects the fact that we're not allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon. A regional diplomat briefed on the matter described the current impasse between Tehran and Washington as reflective of both countries' domestic priorities: the midterm elections for Trump and Republicans and the internal crises within Iran. Domestic issues are critical reasons why neither side is willing to blink first, said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations. The diplomat said negotiations, including those between Iran and Oman or even Iran and the US, will not go anywhere without addressing the initial catalyst of war: Israel. And the diplomat was sceptical of the Trump administration's new sanctions plan, saying the threats require more explanation than what the US has provided so far. The Trump administration's economic isolation of Iran is off to a slow start The administration's new push for Iran's economic isolation was announced with great fanfare last week and a dire warning for all remaining countries to cut off financial and trade ties with Iran or face US retaliation -- but the campaign so far has fallen flat. Just one branch of an Egyptian bank in the United Arab Emirates has been targeted so far. For actual sanctions to bite, experts agree that they must apply to Iran's main trading partners: mainly China but also India and Russia. But Trump is loath to target China, especially as he is preparing to host President Xi Jinping later this month. Trump also insists that the US has control over the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world's oil transits before the war began. The strategic waterway has been a key pressure point for Iran, and reopening it fully has become one of the prime goals for the US administration. Ship traffic through the strait is well below pre-war levels due to the risk of attack if vessels don't comply with an Iranian vetting regime near its coastline, which is in sharp contrast to the unhindered navigation before the war. There were 102 transits last week and 126 the week before, according to shipping data company Lloyd's List Intelligence, compared with 130 or more per day before the war. As President Trump said, the strait is open, and all mines have been cleared, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Thursday. The naval blockade remains in full force and effect, and Operation Economic Outcast is underway to sever every remaining economic lifeline sustaining the regime. The White House has repeatedly touted the economic impact that the sanctions have had on Iran, citing its rampant inflation and the massive loss in the value of its currency. US officials have described Iran's financial system as one big house of cards. Going forward, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the price Iran will pay will be primarily economic, but we reserve the right ... to take military action when necessary -- not just to protect ourselves but to prevent them from being able to threaten others as well. They're going to continue to feel the squeeze, he told Fox News host Brian Kilmeade in an interview that aired Wednesday. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that he would not characterise the current situation as a war but that the administration would respond to any Iranian hostile action. Major combat operations are currently not ongoing, and they haven't been ongoing in a very long time, Vance told reporters during a White House briefing. In fact, what we did just a couple of days ago is that we made it harder for the Iranians to shoot at commercial shipping again in order to ensure the flow of oil and gas into world energy markets. Combining military force and sanctions on Iran is the only option,' one analyst says Complicating things for the US, Iran's leadership has shown signs of divisions between moderates more open to a diplomatic solution and hardliners who want to press ahead with a more confrontational approach. President Masoud Pezeshkian is one of the most prominent voices still calling for a negotiated solution. But the hardliners appear to have gained the upper hand, and Iran shows no sign of backing down. Tehran continues to lash out at US interests and allies around the region in response to military strikes. This kind of a hybrid approach -- the combination of military force, blockade and economic pressure -- is the only option that seems to be available to the United States at this moment, said Hamidreza Azizi, senior Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group. Still, he said, it's been for a long time, but now maybe more than ever, a battle of endurance between the two sides. Amr Hamzawy, director of the Middle East program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, pointed to two main reasons for the deteriorating situation. One, none of the two parties is satisfied with the outcome -- meaning that the current situation does not serve US interests well, and it does not serve Iranian interests well, Hamzawy said. The other reason is how leaders from both sides are perceived at home. The Trump administration is afraid of being portrayed in the US as an administration that failed to end a military campaign successfully, and that's going to impact the midterm elections, he said. And the Iranians, especially the Revolutionary Guard, are quite afraid of appearing as if they are submitting to US sanctions with no actions on their side, which might hurt them domestically.
CM Omar to meet protesting medical interns today over stipend row
Srinagar, Sep 04: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will meet representatives of protesting MBBS and BDS interns on Friday afternoon to discuss their demand for enhancement of the monthly stipend, sources said. The meeting comes as medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir continue their indefinite strike over the governments failure to revise their stipend, which currently stands at Rs 12,300 per month. Sources said five representatives from different medical institutions have been nominated to attend the meeting with the Chief Minister. The delegation includes Dr Tasaduk from GMC Srinagar, Dr Akib Javid from GMC Anantnag, Dr Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Dr Tanish Mansotra from GMC Jammu, and Dr Faraz from SKIMS. The representatives will place before the Chief Minister the concerns and demands of interns, particularly their demand for an increase in the stipend to Rs 30,000 per month. The interns have been on strike since August 31, with protests reported at government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, including GMC Srinagar, GMC Jammu, GMC Anantnag, GMC Kathua, GMC Doda, GMC Rajouri, GMC Udhampur and GMC Baramulla, besides SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina. The interns have argued that the existing stipend of Rs 12,300, which comes to roughly Rs 400 a day, has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite inflation and the nature of duties they perform in government hospitals.(KNS)
Nepal floods: Centre to offer DNA profiling services for first-degree relatives of missing persons
India will provide forensic DNA profiling support to help identify mortal remains of Nepal flood victims, the MEA said. First-degree relatives of missing persons residing in India can submit samples at designated central, state and accredited laboratories. DNA profiles will be shared with Nepal authorities for comparison with unidentified remains.
India's first imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit lifts off successfully
Sriharikota, Sep 04: ISRO's state-of-the art Earth observation spacecraft, the country's first ever imaging satellite intended for the Geosynchronous orbit, EOS-05 lifted off from the spaceport here on Friday. Set to provide real-time imagery and help the nation in areas including agriculture, and disaster management, a GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the payload headed into the wide skies carrying the satellite, intended for delivery at the Sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit (Sub-GTO) in the wee hours. After the completion of a smooth 27-hour countdown, which commenced at 23.30 hours on Wednesday, the rocket, with a 2,367 kg payload mass, began its ascent on dot at 2.55 AM from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The odd hour and rain could not deter the enthusiasm of members of public as many turned up to cheer the launch. While several earth observation satellites operate from low earth orbit (LEO), the EOS-5 satellite is set to hover at an altitude of roughly 36,000 km above earth, which is the geosynchronous orbit and at that level, the satellite will match Earth's rotational speed. The GSLV-F-17 is the 19th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. The 3-stage, 51.7 meter rocket, with its third stage being cryogenic, has a lift off mass of 420.5 tonne and the over-2,000 kg satellite is ensconced on the rocket nose cone. The GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission is said to be a replacement for the unsuccessful GSLV-F-10/EOS-03 mission of 2021. An onboard computer had aborted that mission at 307 seconds into the flight then. A probe into the post-flight data had indicated that an anomaly in the Cryogenic Upper Stage led to the mission failure, according to ISRO. The pre-dawn launch on Friday follows a gap of nearly 8 months. On January 12 this year, ISRO's PSLV-C62 rocket carrying 16 satellites failed to place them in the intended orbit after encountering an anomaly in the critical third stage of the launch. This was ISRO's only launch this year and it failed. A similar, previous attempt in May 2025 (PSLV-C61-EOS-09) also did not succeed due to a motor pressure issue, and there was a fall in the chamber pressure of the motor case. Days ago, ISRO chairman V Narayanan visited the Tirumala Tirupati Lord Venkateshwara Swamy temple and prayed for the mission's success.
CM Yogi lays foundation stones for 229 development projects worth Rs 1,051 Cr
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday extended Shri Krishna Janmashtami greetings to the people of the state from the sacred land of Braj. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 229 development projects worth Rs 1,051 crore, including the Swami Shri Haridas Auditorium at the Gita Research Institute and Rasleela Academy, Vrindavan. These included the inauguration of 62 projects worth more than Rs 540 crore and the foundation laying of 167 projects costing more than Rs 437 crore. In addition, an amount of more than Rs 72 crore was transferred to the accounts of beneficiaries under the housing scheme. Citing the examples of Braj, Ayodhya, Kashi and other places, the Chief Minister stated, Foreign invaders may have demolished temples, but they could never shake our devotion. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath observed that Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj gave devotion the form of music. He transformed music into a spiritual practice and connected it with the consciousness of society. His spiritual discipline performed the remarkable task of connecting even an emperor with the essence of devotion. The great musician Tansen was a disciple of Swami Haridas Ji, he said. For a long time, we tried to view development only through the lens of roads, electricity, water, buildings and industries. In the name of development, our heritage continued to be insulted. Attempts were made to erase the heroes of history from Indian memory. First foreign invaders, and then the British, destroyed our history and historical symbols, but the previous governments crossed all limits in neglecting and disrespecting our heritage. CM Yogi said the heritage and celebrations for which Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Govardhan and the Baldev region are known today were not possible before 2017. Referring to the disturbances during the Jawahar Bagh incident in June 2016, in which 29 people lost their lives, the Chief Minister said that two police officers were also martyred in the incident. Amid such disturbances, who could have imagined celebrations, development, and the preservation of civilization and culture in the state? A nation becomes great by rediscovering its memory, culture and roots. A society that is conscious of its heritage learns from the world and also teaches the world, he added. CM Yogi said Indias history is not merely a history of achievements, but also a history of struggle, preservation, reconstruction and the continuity of Sanatan. Mathura is its greatest example. The Keshav Dev Temple at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi has endured numerous attacks. Foreign invaders demolished temples, but they could not erase the memory of Shri Krishna and Radharani. Neither did the celebration of Janmashtami stop, nor did the devotion of Vrindavan cease. Neither did the Holi of Barsana come to a halt, nor did the Govardhan Parikrama stop. This is the strength of Sanatan and Braj, he said. CM Yogi added that history records attacks on temples, yet during the same period, saints such as Swami Haridas on the land of Braj developed through spiritual practice a stream of music whose resonance has continued for centuries. It will continue to attract every musician for eternity. Aurangzeb demolished the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, but the tradition never ended. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar played a significant role in rebuilding the temple. Today, Kashi Vishwanath Dham is known for its grandeur and modern facilities, he said. In Ayodhya, Babur demolished the grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in 1528 and constructed a structure of subjugation in its place, but this did not stop Ram Navami, the Panchkosi, 14 Kosi and 84 Kosi Parikramas, or the Sawan Jhoola Mela. The radiance of Sanatan continued to grow and continued to inspire the spirit of struggle. The result is that a grand temple of Prabhu Shri Ram now stands in Ayodhya. He said that to understand India, one must understand the folk traditions of saints and artists. One must study the revolutionaries and the crores of Indians who kept this civilization alive generation after generation. From Maharaja Suheldev, Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, Maharani Lakshmibai, Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh and Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, a long tradition has continued. Revered saints dedicated their entire lives to public welfare, he added. The Chief Minister further said that heritage is not confined to any physical object but is also present in our temples, languages, literature, music, art, philosophy, mathematics, science, medicine, astronomical knowledge, and folk and knowledge traditions. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the double-engine government has added new dimensions to this, including heritage, development, faith, economy, tradition and transformation, along with modernity. By developing pilgrimage centres such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Govardhan, Nandgaon, Baldev, Vindhyachal, Chitrakoot, Shukteerth, Sambhal, Bareilly, Naimisharanya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, we are promoting the cultural and spiritual advancement of the present and future generations, he said He said that the changing Uttar Pradesh, better connectivity, strong law and order, and world-class infrastructure are evidenced by the fact that 156 crore tourists visited Uttar Pradesh last year. CM conveyed a clear message that India would realize the vision of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation only by remaining connected to its heritage. He emphasized that women, youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans and craftsmen, along with every section of society, must be uplifted for this purpose. CM Yogi remarked that the rule of law is the first condition for this. The Chief Minister said that devotees, tourists and investors will come only when they have confidence in security. Mothers and daughters will step out fearlessly only when they have faith in the administration. During Sawan, 5 crore Kanwar Yatris travelled between Ghaziabad and Haridwar. The number also ran into crores on other routes, he added. CM Yogi said that riots used to continue for months in Bareilly. Rioters were invited to the Chief Ministers residence and honoured. Riots occurred in Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh, Meerut and Lucknow, but for the past nine and a half years Uttar Pradesh has remained free from curfews and riots. Today, celebration is our identity. Lakhs of devotees now visit Mathura and Vrindavan every day. Grand events such as Rangotsav, Vaishnav Kumbh, Durga Puja, Ram Navami, Deepotsav, Shobha Yatras and Mahakumbh are being organised. Earlier, there was apprehension of disturbances before celebrations; now preparations are made before celebrations. India is now organising the largest gatherings of faith with modern arrangements, he added. The Chief Minister said that over the past eight years, the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has completed numerous projects worth Rs 1,000 crore. Devotees are being treated with respect through improved security, cleanliness and connectivity. Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Govardhan, Radha Kund, Gokul, Baldev, Mathura and other areas are being linked with tourism development. The 84 Kosi and Panchkosi Parikrama routes are being developed, and kunds are being restored. If protection is received from the Honble Supreme Court, the area around Shri Banke Bihari Temple will also witness grand development. Through projects such as the ropeway in Vrindavan, mega parking facilities and the Raya Urban Node in Mathura, efforts have begun to lay a strong foundation for the modern future of Braj, he added. The CM said that the Surdas Brajbhasha Academy has been established with the objective of preserving Braj culture and promoting Brajbhasha. The double-engine government is also preserving, promoting and establishing on the global stage the rich musical and literary heritage of Braj by bringing renowned artists from across the country and abroad onto a common platform. Within the urban limits of Vrindavan itself, Asias largest City Forest (Saubhari Van) is being developed over an area of 400 acres.
The death toll due to devastating flash floods in Nepal surged to 1,259 on Thursday, with over 5,000 still missing as families perform symbolic funeral rites for their relatives after receiving no information about them for days. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, leaving a trail of destruction. According to the data released by Nepals National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority(NDRRMA), the death toll from the Bhotekoshi River floods surged to 1,259 on Thursday, with 5,083 still missing. In Paharebesi village of Rasuwa district, residents have begun preparing to perform funeral rites for missing relatives after receiving no information about their whereabouts for eight days, Onlinekhabar news portal reported on Thursday. In flood-hit areas, families have begun using effigies made of kusha grass to perform the final rites of relatives who remain untraced, amid diminishing hopes of finding them alive, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. Families said they were turning to symbolic funerals because there was little hope of recovering all the missing and because identifying bodies had become increasingly difficult, it said. According to NDRRMA, 355 bodies have been recovered from Chitawan district, 218 from Nawalparasi East, 212 from Nawalparasi West, including 18 recovered from India and handed over to Nawalparasi West, and 177 from Nuwakot. Similarly, 127 bodies were recovered from Rasuwa district, 72 from Gorkha, 60 from Dhading and 38 from Tahanu. On the Chinese side, the death toll in the flash flood that struck Gyirong county in Tibet near the Nepal border has increased to 21, with 541 others still missing as of Wednesday. As the upstream areas of the Bhotekoshi River are continuously receiving rainfall on Thursday, there is the possibility of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers as well as small rivers and rivulets flowing through Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, said Saraswati Bishta, a technician at the Flood Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The people residing in the surrounding areas and downstream of the river are urged to remain vigilant, she said. There is a middle-level risk associated with flash floods in rivers situated in various districts, mainly those in the hilly region, including Taplejung, Panchthar, Terhathum, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, Udaypur, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahu, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, Kaski, Syangja, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, she said. Similarly, rivers situated in mountain regions including Kalikot, Humla, Jumla, Dailekh, Darchula, Baitadi and Kalikot districts are also swelling, resulting in some risks associated to flash floods, she added. Meanwhile, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Thursday called the massive floods that caused widespread devastation in the country a Himalayan Tsunami and thanked neighbouring countries and the international community for their support and solidarity during this difficult period. Khanals comments came days after an interview with a private television channel, in which he identified China, the US, and India as the worlds three largest greenhouse gas emitters and said they have a historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable nations like Nepal. Expressing gratitude to neighbour countries, friendly nations and the international community for their support and solidarity, Khanal said on Thursday that Nepal will continue close cooperation and collaboration with the international community in this regard. Even as international and domestic assistance continues to pour in, schoolchildren in Nepal are doing their bit by donating part of their pocket money to the Prime Ministers Relief Fund. Children from various schools across Nepal are voluntarily donating their snack money or pocket money for the welfare of those affected by the floods. Meanwhile, the joint rescue teams led by the Nepal Army have continued their search and rescue efforts on the ninth day, on Thursday. The floods have changed the landscape of the valleys of Rasuwa and Nuwakot, with helicopter pilots relying on their own discipline and judgement to navigate the steep terrain because riverbanks and familiar landmarks have disappeared, the Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. The tunnel rescue team from India is working with the Nepali army to carry out the rescue operation in Chilime Power House. Indian envoy on Thursday visited Syabrubesi, the base of the Indian tunnel rescue team, and said that even though the conditions are tough, both Indian and Nepali teams will continue their work undeterred. The envoy said that Indian and Nepali teams have already explored 100 metres inside the tunnel using special equipment. They plan to bring in heavy equipment to further advance into the tunnel, he said. Meanwhile, China has rescued 114 Nepalese nationals who were stranded in Tibet after the August 26 flash flood in Rasuwa, and arranged their safe exit to Nepal through the Tatopani border, according to a statement issued by the Home Ministry on Thursday. They will be transported to Kathmandu and then to their respective destinations by the Nepalese authorities. According to the Home Ministry, 2,500 Nepalis have already returned to Nepal from Tibet while 1,400 are still waiting for repatriation. In a related development, a senior Chinese climate official has warned that Glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are likely to become more unstable, which may lead to more collapses and collateral disasters similar to last weeks deadly flash flood at the Tibet-Nepal border. Over the past 60 years, the glacier area on the Tibetan Plateau has shrunk by around 24 per cent, with around 7,000 small glaciers disappearing completely, said Gao Rong, deputy director of Chinas National Climate Centre, an official body of the Chinese government. Looking ahead, the structural stability of glaciers across the Tibetan Plateau will decline further. Glacial disasters are likely to become more frequent and could amplify in destruction and reach through cascading effects, Gao was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami Shobha Yatra taken out in Jammu
A day ahead of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the J&K Dharmarth Trust on Thursday organised a grand and impressive Shobha Yatra, commencing from the iconic Shri Raghunath Ji temple in the heart of Jammu city. The Shobha Yatra was organised in collaboration with the Sanatan Dharm Sabha and Dharmik Yuvak Mandal. The procession featured beautifully decorated tableaux (Jhankis) depicting various significant episodes and important moments from the life of Lord Krishna, drawing large crowds of devotees and citizens along the route. The Shobha Yatra commenced after the Murti Poojan at Shri Raghunath Ji temple, which was attended by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, former minister Priya Sethi, former minister Ajay Sadhotra, president of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Parshotam Kumar Dadeechi, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu, Arun Gupta, president of J&K Dharmarth Trust Dr P S Pathania and secretary of the Trust Ashok Kumar Sharma, retired IPS. Thereafter, Rath Poojan and Dhwajarohan ceremonies were performed before the Shobha Yatra set off from the temple premises. The procession passed through several prominent markets and thoroughfares of Jammu, including Veer Marg, Shahidi Chowk, Rajinder Bazar, Kanak Mandi, City Chowk, Old Hospital Road, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Jain Bazar, Chowk Chabutra, Pacca Danga, Moti Bazar, Geeta Bhawan, Ranbireshwar Temple, Shalamar Road, City Chowk and Raghunath Bazar, before finally culminating at Shri Raghunath Ji temple. Thousands of devotees, along with prominent citizens, political leaders and representatives of various social and religious organisations, participated in the Shobha Yatra with great enthusiasm and devotion. Members of the Muslim community also accorded a warm and cordial welcome to the Yatra at various places enroute, reflecting the spirit of communal harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood that characterises Jammu's rich cultural ethos. Speaking on the occasion, president of the Dharmarth Trust, Dr P S Pathania, extended his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. He prayed that the sacred festival would usher in peace, progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Pathania said that festivals formed an integral part of India's glorious cultural and spiritual heritage and play an important role in strengthening communal harmony, brotherhood and social cohesion. Such celebrations, he added, help reinforce the spirit of mutual respect and further enrich the secular and inclusive ethos of society. He prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Secretary of the Dharmarth Trust said that the Dharmarth Trust, under the patronage of its chairman trustee Dr Karan Singh and the trustees, remained committed to preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir's rich religious, cultural and spiritual heritage. He said that festivals such as Shri Krishna Janmashtami provide an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their shared cultural traditions and strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood. The Secretary appreciated the collective efforts of the Sanatan Dharm Sabha, Dharmik Yuvak Mandal, volunteers, devotees, civil administration and police authorities for ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the Shobha Yatra. Elaborate security and traffic arrangements were put in place by the district administration and Jammu Police across the city to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the religious procession. Senior police officers remained present at various locations along the route and supervised the security arrangements to ensure that the event remained orderly, safe and incident-free.
BRO to repair Samba-Battal road under Rs 38.84 Cr project
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will repair and restore Samba-Battal road by expending Rs 38.84 Cr approximately. The news was shared by the Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh on his social media handles for the residents of Udhampur, Samba and Kathua districts. The Union Minister stated that in response to a public demand from the local people, an assurance was given on August 31 to the local natives that the issues related to repair and restoration of the Samba-Battal road through BRO and sanction of the required amount would be resolved at the earliest. I am glad to share that within 48 hours, BRO has issued orders for allocation of Rs 38.84 Cr for rehabilitation work on Samba-Battal Road. The said amount will be released within one week. Meanwhile, the work is being started immediately. This is yet another reiteration of the promptness and sensitivity with which the government headed by PM Narendra Modi ji responds to the genuine grievances of its citizens, Dr Jitendra posted, along with a screen shot of BRO communication. BRO communicated that Special Restoration of Monsoon Damage (SRMD) and Immediate Restoration of Monsoon Damage (IRMD) works were presently in progress on road Samba-Battal road from zero km to 26.70 km. Giving a brief physical status of the works underway, BRO has shared that 22 toe walls or retaining walls and two culverts are planned for construction and work is under progress. As per BRO details, 422 m of surfacing work on bad stretches is under progress. These works are being progressed as interim maintenance measures to address the immediate requirements of the road pending commencement of the comprehensive rehabilitation works. Comprehensive rehabilitation work is proposed on Samba-Battal by BRO. The tentative cost for rehabilitation of the road will be Rs 38.84 Cr approximately, it has been shared. Under the comprehensive road rehabilitation project, 78 toe walls or retaining walls and one culvert have been planned for construction with 8.3 km line drain. Surfacing work on bad patches is also planned to be undertaken. The rehabilitation work will commence shortly after sanction of work for which the estimate is under preparation at HQ CE (P) Sampark, it has been stated.
VPNs banned in Kishtwar for 2 months
In a significant move aimed at strengthening cyber security and preventing the misuse of digital platforms, the District Magistrate Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma has imposed a complete prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across Kishtwar district with immediate effect. The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a communication from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, regarding the need to curb the misuse of VPN services and ensure compliance with lawful restrictions. According to the order, the administration has observed a pressing need to regulate the use of VPNs in order to safeguard cyber security, preserve digital integrity and strengthen the security mechanisms of governance within the district. The District Magistrate stated that VPN services could potentially be exploited for unlawful, anti-national and disruptive activities, including dissemination of inflammatory content, incitement of unrest, coordination of illegal activities and other acts that may adversely affect the maintenance of law and order. Exercising powers vested under Section 163 of the BNSS, the District Magistrate has therefore ordered a complete ban on all forms of VPNs throughout the territorial jurisdiction of Kishtwar district. The prohibition applies to individuals, institutions, cyber cafs, business establishments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within the district. However, the order provides an exception for cases where the use of VPNs is specifically authorised by the government through an official order. The order will remain in force for a period of two months, unless it is rescinded, modified or withdrawn earlier. The SSP Kishtwar has been directed to ensure strict, effective and uniform enforcement of the order. The administration has also warned that any violation of the directive will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law. As the order cannot be served individually upon all concerned, it has been issued ex-parte for information of the general public, it has been stated. The administration has directed that it be given wide publicity through the official district website, leading newspapers and by displaying copies on the notice boards of concerned government offices across the district. The order was issued under the seal and signature of the District Magistrate, Kishtwar, on September 3, 2026.
Chatroo minors death: IGP Crime Branch reviews probe status; raids, arrests continue
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Crime Branch Jammu, Sarah Rizvi, along with other senior officers, on Thursday visited Police Station Chatroo in Kishtwar district and reviewed the ongoing investigation into the death of a minor tribal schoolgirl, even as the specialised agency intensified its probe through fresh searches and scrutiny of evidence collected so far. According to reliable sources, the Crime Branch team examined the case records, evidence, arrest memos and other material compiled during the preliminary investigation after the case was transferred from the local police to the Crime Branch on August 29 amid sustained protests and demands for an independent and impartial investigation. During the visit, the IGP also met members of the bereaved family and assured them that all aspects of the case would be examined thoroughly, fairly and on the basis of evidence. The investigation, sources said, is aimed at establishing the complete sequence of events and determining the role, if any, of each person connected with the case. The minor reportedly died on August 20 while being taken for medical treatment. The case has triggered widespread concern following allegations of prolonged sexual exploitation, pregnancy and an alleged attempt at termination. Police registered FIR number 34/2026 at Police Station Chatroo under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were subsequently added. Before the transfer of the investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by Kishtwar Police conducted a preliminary probe and arrested seven persons, including the principal accused, a government school headmaster, his brother and hospital staff members. On Wednesday, a Crime Branch team conducted searches at the residences of the prime accused teacher and his brother in the Gurnial area of Chatroo. The searches were reportedly aimed at recovering material evidence and establishing the sequence of events relevant to the investigation. In another development, the services of a second sanitation worker engaged through the Hospital Development Fund at District Hospital Kishtwar were terminated with immediate effect following her arrest in connection with the case. The action was taken through an official administrative order. PROBE TIMELINE August 20: The minor reportedly died while being taken for medical care. Inquest proceedings were initiated. August 2024: FIR number 34/2026 was registered at Police Station Chatroo and the initial arrests, including those of the teacher and his brother, were made. August 25: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and SSP Kishtwar following a complaint by the Tribal Gujjar Bakkerwal Welfare Foundation. The Commission sought an action-taken report. August 2628: Amid growing public outrage and demands for stringent action, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were added to the case. August 27: Kishtwar observed a complete bandh following a joint call by Majlis-e-Shura and Sanatan Dharam Sabha. Protests, candle marches and sit-ins were also held at different places. August 2729: Further arrests, including those of hospital staff, were made during the preliminary investigation, taking the reported total number of arrests to seven. August 29: The investigation was formally handed over to the Crime Branch following sustained demands for an independent probe. September 23: Crime Branch teams conducted searches at the residences of accused persons, while the IGP Crime Branch Jammu visited Police Station Chatroo to review the investigation. The intervention of the NCST and the transfer of the case to the Crime Branch have further heightened expectations of a transparent and time-bound investigation. Civil-society groups and political representatives have continued to demand expeditious legal proceedings and stringent punishment if the allegations are established before a court of law. The Crime Branch is now expected to independently examine the allegations of sexual exploitation, the circumstances surrounding the minors pregnancy and alleged termination attempt, the medical treatment provided to her, and the events preceding her death. The agency is also likely to scrutinise documentary, medical and other evidence collected during the earlier SIT investigation before drawing conclusions.
SKIMS MC Pediatrician's services terminated
Health and Medical Education Department has terminated the services of Dr Mohammad Himayun, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina. The termination will come into effect, retrospectively, from March 1, 2017. The termination has been ordered through Government Order No. 673-JK(HME) of 2026 issued today. According to the order, Dr Himayun had been suspended in 2015 due to his unauthorised absence. He was subsequently reinstated in December 2016, but attended duties for only six days in January 2017 and hree days in February 2017. He remained absent without authorisation from March 1, 2017. The departmental inquiry subsequently reported that his absence was deliberate and wilful. The order also states that a writ petition filed by the officer before High Court was dismissed. The department said a show-cause notice had already been served upon him before the termination.
Bangladesh High Commissioner calls on CM Omar Abdullah in Srinagar
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here. The Chief Minister welcomed the High Commissioner to Jammu and Kashmir and held discussions on areas of mutual interest, including horticulture, medical education and other potential areas of cooperation.
Haijan Brenwar on threshold of J&K tourism map: Speaker AR Rather
Srinagar, Sep 3:A wave of jubilation has swept across the general populace of Budgam district, particularly among the youth and tourism stakeholders, following the initiation of infrastructure development works at Haijan Brenwar, a picturesque and peaceful offbeat destination in the Chadoora area of Budgam district. People cutting across socio-political affiliations have expressed their gratitude to Adv. Ab Rahim Rather, Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Chrar-i-Sharief, for taking the initiative to develop tourism infrastructure at the scenic Haijan meadow. The infrastructure work, estimated at Rs 68 lakh, has been officially tendered today. Tourism stakeholders and local residents said that the issuance of the tender has once again demonstrated A.R. Rather's commitment and seriousness towards public welfare, development and promotion of tourism in the region. They expressed hope that the development of basic infrastructure would open new avenues of tourism and employment for local youth while placing Haijan Brenwar prominently on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on the development of Haijan Brenwar as a potential tourist resort, Speaker A.R. Rather said that his mission was to transform the entire Chrar-i-Sharief constituency into a model constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, with special emphasis on tourism promotion, infrastructure development and creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local population. Rather said that the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings of Haijan provide immense potential for developing it as an attractive tourist destination, while ensuring that its pristine character and ecological balance are preserved. Located near Brenwar village in Budgam district, Haijan is approximately 36 kilometres from Srinagar. The scenic destination is surrounded by lush green meadows, expansive open fields and tall pine and coniferous trees, with a clear stream flowing through the valley, adding to its natural charm. During summer, local shepherds visit the meadow and stay in traditional small wooden huts while grazing their livestock, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's pastoral lifestyle. The area also has a natural meadow cricket ground, making it particularly attractive for young people and outdoor enthusiasts. Haijan offers an ideal setting for nature lovers, short hikes, photography, picnics and peaceful retreats away from crowded tourist destinations. With its pristine landscapes, refreshing mountain air, green meadows and serene surroundings, the destination is increasingly being described as a hidden jewel in the heart of Central Kashmir. The local community and tourism stakeholders expressed hope that the planned infrastructure development would give a significant boost to Haijan's tourism potential, generate employment opportunities for local youth and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Chadoora and Budgam areas.
CM Omar Abdullah lays foundation for several development works at Kashmir Government Polytechnic
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for developmental works at Kashmir Government Polytechnic, Srinagar, and e-inaugurated infrastructure upgrades worth ` 4.20 crore across Government Polytechnics in Kishtwar, Ramban, Kulgam and Kupwara. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister called for greater focus on skill development and vocational education, stressing that preparing youth for the future job market must go hand in hand with formal education. We cannot give government jobs to everyone. If we have to prepare our children for the future, we have to give them the skills to compete in the job market, whether in Jammu and Kashmir, elsewhere in the country or abroad, the Chief Minister said. He emphasised that skill development programmes must be aligned with emerging market requirements and the employment opportunities being created in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare and technology. The Chief Minister called for regular review of courses and training programmes in ITIs and polytechnics so that outdated skills and equipment are replaced with training relevant to contemporary industry requirements. He said the level of attention given to universities should also be extended to the skill-development network of ITIs and polytechnics, including improvement of infrastructure, training quality and modern equipment. Highlighting the employment potential emerging from major projects in J&K, he said the skill-development ecosystem must be designed around the requirements of upcoming investments and industries. The Chief Minister also said the government would work to strengthen the network of skill-development institutions over the next three years and improve their infrastructure and quality. He further stressed the need to ensure greater employment opportunities for local youth in industries and projects coming to J&K, saying companies should be encouraged to employ trained local youth before looking outside the region for skilled manpower. The Chief Minister said J&Ks objective should not be merely to send labour outside but to prepare skilled professionals capable of securing better-paying employment and competing in international markets. He also felicitated students who secured overseas placements, underscoring the Governments commitment to strengthening technical education and creating meaningful employment opportunities for J&Ks youth. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, MLA Karnah Javed Ahmed Mirchal, Secretary Skill Development Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Director Skill Development Department Dr Owais Ahmed, Principal Kashmir Government Polytechnic Srinagar Shafqat Ara, faculty members and students were present on the occasion.
Rajwar Handwara advocates protest dilapidated Handwara-Rajwar road
Handwara, Sep 3:Advocates from the Rajwar area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Thursday held a peaceful protest at Mian Chowk Handwara against the poor condition of the Handwara-Rajwar road, demanding immediate macadamization of the road. The protesters said that residents of dozens of villages in Upper and Lower Rajwar continue to face difficulties due to the deteriorating road, despite repeated assurances and claims of progress by the authorities. People have been suffering for years because of the poor road condition. We need concrete action on the ground, not just assurances and announcements, said Advocate Imran of Rajpora Rajwar. We want permanent macadamization of the road, which unfortunately has not been carried out for the last twelve years, due to which people from dozens of villages continue to suffer, said another protesting advocate of the area. The advocates urged the concerned authorities to expedite repair and improvement work on the road to provide safe and reliable connectivity to the residents of Rajwar. Meanwhile, an official of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division Handwara told Greater Kashmir that a tender worth Rs 49 lakh has recently been allotted to a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs until a permanent solution is made. He said that repair work on the road will be carried out soon.
Unchecked speeding tippers continue to pose threat to commuters in Srinagar
Two fatal road accidents within 48 hours, including one involving a speeding tipper at Bemina, have once again brought the menace of speeding heavy vehicles into focus, with commuters demanding stricter enforcement against tippers during evening and late-night hours, alongside sustained action against reckless driving by other motorists. On Tuesday evening, a scooty rider was killed after his two-wheeler collided with a tipper near Government Degree College Bemina. Police said the rider died on the spot from the deadly impact. The tragedy was followed by another fatal road accident on Thursday when 28-year-old research scholar Altaf Hussain Daded of Sangerwani, Pulwama, died after apparently losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a shop at Shiraz Chowk in Khanyar. The back-to-back deaths have once again sparked concern over road safety and the need for stricter enforcement against dangerous driving. Residents said the Bemina accident has once again exposed the risks posed by speeding tippers, which continue to ply city roads after peak traffic hours despite repeated accidents and public complaints. Once evening sets in, many of these heavy vehicles move at alarming speeds. Smaller vehicles hardly get any space, and pedestrians are left frightened. Every day feels like a risk, said Irfan Bhat, a commuter from Bemina. Pedestrians said major roads in uptown Srinagar witness frequent movement of tippers and other heavy vehicles during evening and night hours, making daily commuting increasingly unsafe. We often step away from the roadside whenever these vehicles approach because many appear to be speeding. Drivers seldom slow down even in busy stretches. It only takes a moment for a tragedy to happen, said Shabir Ahmad, a pedestrian from Chanapora. Commuters alleged that apart from overspeeding, some heavy vehicles continue to operate with obscured or missing registration plates, making it difficult to identify offenders after accidents. People have been highlighting these violations for years. Some vehicles are seen with mud-covered number plates or plates that are barely visible. Enforcement should be consistent instead of being limited to a few days after a major accident, said Irfan Ahmad, a cab driver from Hyderpora. Greater Kashmir has, over the years, carried a series of reports highlighting concerns over speeding tippers, overloaded heavy vehicles and attempts by some drivers to conceal registration plates to evade enforcement. Previous incidents had also triggered public concern and demands for stricter regulation. Residents said the latest deaths also point to a broader problem of dangerous driving that extends beyond heavy vehicles. The Khanyar incident is equally tragic. Whether it is a tipper or a motorcycle, roads have become fatal. Authorities need to act firmly against rash driving, while parents must also ensure minors are not allowed to ride on public roads, said Mohammad Yaqoob, a resident of Downtown. Many commuters also called for stricter checks on underage driving, saying minors operating motorcycles and scooters have become a common sight in several city areas, putting both themselves and others at risk. A senior Traffic Police officer earlier said enforcement drives against speeding, dangerous driving and other violations are being regularly carried out across Srinagar. We regularly conduct drives against overspeeding and rash driving. Strict legal action is taken wherever violations are detected, and repeat offenders are dealt with firmly. Such enforcement will continue, the officer said. Residents, however, said enforcement against heavy vehicles should not remain limited to periodic drives following fatal accidents. They urged authorities to deploy more traffic personnel on routes frequently used by tippers during evening and late-night hours and maintain permanent surveillance to deter violations.
KTA flags market access issues, defective Smart City works in Srinagar
The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has urged the administration to review and remove the dividers installed along the Rambagh-Natipora Chowk stretch, saying the arrangement is restricting access to markets and affecting the movement of customers and goods. A KTA delegation, led by its President Aijaz Shahdhar, met Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Thursday and raised the issue besides highlighting several other concerns confronting the trading community in Srinagar. The delegation pointed out that an alternative road from the Bund side has already been developed and questioned the need for continuous dividers along the Rambagh-Natipora stretch. It said the existing arrangement was making market access inconvenient, thereby affecting customer footfall and business activity. The KTA sought removal of the dividers at appropriate points while maintaining necessary traffic management and road safety measures. The delegation also submitted a report regarding various works executed under the Srinagar Smart City project and sought immediate repairs and rectification wherever the works have developed defects or require attention. The traders stressed that the repair works should be taken up on priority and completed before the onset of winter. They said delays could result in further deterioration of the infrastructure and cause additional inconvenience to traders, commuters and the general public during the winter months. The KTA requested the Divisional Commissioner to have the issues highlighted in the report examined by the concerned departments and ensure that necessary repairs are completed within the available working period. The delegation comprised Mohd Yunus Beigh, Tahir Hussain, Naseer Ahmad, Ajaz Ahmad, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Shabir Ahmad and Sajad Hyder. The Divisional Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the concerns raised, including the issue of dividers and repairs to Smart City works, would be examined in consultation with the concerned agencies and appropriate measures taken wherever feasible. The KTA said it would continue to engage with the administration on civic and infrastructure issues affecting the trading community and work towards ensuring better market access and a conducive environment for business in Srinagar.
2 injured in separate bear attacks in Tral
Pulwama, Sep 3:Two people, including a woman, were injured in separate bear attacks in Tral areas of South Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday. In view of the increasing frequency of such attacks, the Wildlife Department plans to use radio/GPS collars to track animals trapped in populated areas and released back into their natural habitats. Ghulam Nabi Bhat, son of Abdul Rahim Bhat and a resident of Syed Abad Pastuna, was injured when a bear attacked him in Pastuna village. In a separate incident at Tral Bala, a woman identified as Shareef Begum, wife of Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, was also injured in a bear attack. Shareef Begum was initially taken to Sub-District Hospital Tral and was later shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for further treatment, according to news agency KNT . The incidents have brought renewed attention to a question that has remained difficult to answer in Kashmir's recurring human-bear encounters: what happens after a bear is trapped and released away from a populated area? Wildlife Range Officer Khangund, Tral Range, Muhammad Younis told the news agency that the department has trapped dozens of bears from different areas and released them in their habitats. He said the proposed use of collar-based tracking would help determine whether animals released after capture subsequently return towards residential areas. Our team traps the wild animals wherever they appear, Younis said, adding that tracking the animals after release would provide a clearer picture of their movement and behaviour. The proposed approach is not without precedent. Kashmir has already been part of radio-collaring research involving bears. A Wildlife SOS and J&K Wildlife Protection Department project launched in 2023 fitted six Himalayan brown bears with GPS-enabled radio collars to study their movements, habitat use and interaction with human settlements. Earlier Wildlife Institute of India research in the Dachigam landscape also used radio-collaring to study Asiatic black bears, including their movement and use of different habitats. Such tracking can show whether a captured animal remains within its release habitat, moves towards human settlements or repeatedly follows particular routes. The significance of such monitoring is growing as bear encounters continue to occur around villages, orchards and other areas of human activity in Kashmir. A recent study of human-black bear conflict in South Kashmir has linked the problem to factors including habitat degradation and reduced natural resources, while researchers have also examined how bears use landscapes containing both forest and human habitation. J&K recorded 15,661 human-wildlife conflict incidents over two years, with 32 deaths and 350 injuries, according to figures presented by the government in February 2026. The figures underline the scale of the challenge facing communities as well as wildlife managers. For Tral, Thursday's two attacks again bring the issue into sharp focus. If collar-based monitoring is introduced, the resulting movement data could help establish whether repeated appearances of bears in residential areas are linked to the same animals being relocated, their habitual movement routes, availability of food near settlements, or broader changes in habitat use.
J&K artists cry foul as IFFJK 2026 spends crores on outside talent
Srinagar, Sep 3: Strong resentment is growing among J&K's artistic fraternity over the apparent exclusion of several internationally acclaimed Sufiyana maestros, composers, music directors, eminent musicians and light classical vocalists from IFFJK 2026, scheduled from September 7 to 10. The concern becomes even more serious as crores of public money is reportedly being spent on bringing artists from outside J&K, while the region's own artistic community is going through extremely turbulent and testing times. Many accomplished local artists, who have devoted decades to preserving and promoting J&K's rich cultural heritage, appear to have been overlooked. The fraternity points out that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Advisor to the Chief Minister had stressed the need to include prominent J&K artists to ensure authentic representation of the region's culture. It is further understood that formal invitations were extended to some established local artists by concerned officials, yet several of them do not appear in the final programme. This has caused deep disappointment and a strong sense of being ignored and disrespected among the artistic community. The fraternity seeks transparency and clarity regarding the selection process and urges the Chief Minister and concerned authorities to urgently review the programme and ensure fair, dignified and meaningful representation of deserving J&K artists. If crores of public money are being spent to showcase J&K to the world, why should the artists who have preserved and carried its cultural legacy for generations be left on the sidelines?
Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak sparks panic in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Sep 03: A suspected outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has triggered widespread anxiety among livestock owners in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, with over 350 cattle reportedly infected across several villages. Local residents in areas including Shallabugh and the broader Sherpathri belt claim that at least 20 cattle have succumbed to the highly contagious viral infection over recent days. The sudden spike in infections has raised immediate concerns for the livelihoods of local dairy farmers and prompted frantic calls for urgent government intervention. Livestock owners report seeing symptoms characteristic of the virus, including high fever, skin nodules, discharge from the eyes and nose, and severe loss of milk yield. Over 350 animals are affected in our area alone, and nearly 20 have already died, said Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Shallabugh. This is devastating for families who rely entirely on dairy farming for their daily income. Many animals were vaccinated during previous outbreaks, so we are deeply concerned about how this is spreading again and whether the vaccines are still effective. Affected farmers are demanding immediate financial relief and compensation from the administration to offset the sudden loss of valuable livestock. In response to the growing distress, officials from the Animal Husbandry Department confirmed that specialized veterinary teams have been mobilized to inspect the affected belts, assess the situation on the ground, and administer symptomatic care. Officials stated that the teams will verify the reported infection and mortality numbers while implementing strict containment measures, including isolation protocols, fogging, and vector-control guidance to stop the virus from spreading to neighboring villages.
AICTE approves Rs 245-crore doctoral fellowship programme for innovation, entrepreneurship
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved a Rs 245-crore Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Programme to support 150 PhD fellowships and promote problem-driven, application-oriented research. The AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Programme (AIEDFP), launched by AICTE Chairman Prof Yogesh Singh in the presence of Member Secretary Prof Shyama Rath and senior officials, will be implemented over five years. The programme aims to strengthen innovation-driven doctoral research, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, commercialisation and societal impact. Under the scheme, each fellow will receive Rs 60,000 per month plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the first three years and Rs 70,000 per month plus applicable HRA for the following two years, subject to eligibility and satisfactory academic and research progress. Each scholar may also receive an Innovation Grant of up to Rs 10 lakh for activities including prototype development, testing and validation, field trials, data collection, consumables, travel and other research-related activities aimed at translating research into deployable solutions. The programme will support both technological and non-technological innovation and encourage multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research addressing national and global priorities. It will seek to connect doctoral research with industry and societal challenges and facilitate the progression of promising research outcomes towards higher Technology Readiness Levels. The programme will also support intellectual property creation, technology transfer and commercialisation. AICTE mechanisms, including KAPILA and YUKTI, may be used for patent filing and innovation translation. A key component of the programme is collaboration among industry, startups, research organisations, incubators and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. Industry partners and external experts may provide problem statements, infrastructure, datasets and mentorship for application-oriented research.
Global innovators gather at VIT Chennai
The two-day technoVIT26, the flagship international technical festival of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, began on September 3, bringing together more than 15,000 participants from India and 14 countries. Held on September 3 and 4, the festival features more than 140 events and has Inclusive Innovations as its theme. Aleksandr Fomin, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Chennai, was the chief guest, while Arulselvam Harikrishnan, Vice-PresidentOperations & Logistics, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, was the guest of honour. VIT Founder and Chancellor Dr G Viswanathan presided over the inaugural function. Participants from Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, France, Norway, Russia, Australia, Tanzania, the UAE and North America are taking part. Fomin said technoVIT brings together students and young professionals from fields including engineering, robotics, coding and design. Innovation should not belong to a small circle of specialists. It should be open to people from different disciplines and backgrounds, he said, stressing that innovation becomes meaningful when it improves peoples lives. He said technology should help address challenges such as energy security, healthcare, environmental sustainability, transportation, food security and access to education. Harikrishnan said innovation must have a clear purpose centred on humanity to bring about meaningful transformation.
SKUAST-K scholar selected for India-Japan science exchange programme
Sayima Nargis, a PhD research scholar at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has been selected for the LOTUS Programme FY2026, an India-Japan science exchange initiative supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the university said on Thursday. Nargis is pursuing her doctorate in the Division of Plant Pathology under the supervision of Dr Tariq Rasool Rather, Professor of Plant Pathology at the universitys Advanced Research Station for Agriculture (AARC). As part of the programme, she will undertake research at the Institute of Plant Science and Resources at Okayama University in Japan. Her research proposal has been approved under the ASPIRE-Type Research Framework (e-Rad Project No. 26290341), according to the university. During the programme, Nargis will work in areas including molecular genetics, multi-omics, plant immunity and disease resistance. The programme will provide her with international research exposure and an opportunity to participate in scientific collaboration between India and Japan. SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganaie congratulated Nargis on her selection and appreciated the efforts of the faculty members involved in her academic and research mentorship. Ganaie said he hoped the achievement would encourage other students and research scholars at the university to pursue academic excellence and explore international research opportunities. The Director of Education and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture also congratulated Nargis and appreciated her dedication and work, the university said.
CS reviews rollout of water transport, PM E-DRIVE initiatives in J&K
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the status and implementation of the introduction of inland water transport on the rivers Jhelum and Chenab, besides the rollout of electric mobility infrastructure under the Government of Indias PM E-DRIVE scheme in J&K. The meeting besides ACS, PWD was attended by Secretary, Transport; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; VC, LCMA; Representative from IWAI and other concerned officers. Reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for time-bound completion of all enabling infrastructure, including terminals, access facilities, navigation arrangements and removal of obstructions in terms of utility shifting, so that water transport can be operationalised within the set deadline. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised of the progress being made for developing inland water transport facilities along identified stretches of the River Jhelum (NW-49), River Chenab (NW-26) and River Ravi (NW-84). On this occasion the Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa apprised the meeting that in River Jhelum, a 106-km cruise corridor from Sangam to Gund Prang has been identified for development. Land for 11 terminal locations has been identified at strategic points including Marham (Sangam), Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang, among others. She further divulged that removal of local coffer dams is a key requirement for ensuring uninterrupted navigation along the Jhelum stretch. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with removal of 52 such structures, of which 18 have already been cleared. On the Chenab, a 9-km stretch between Reasi and Akhnoor Fort has been identified for cruise-based water transport, while a 15-km stretch of the River Ravi at Sohar in Jammu is also being developed for the purpose. The meeting was further informed that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has awarded the tender for procurement of 10 specially designed hybrid eco-vessels, each having a passenger capacity of 20 persons. The vessels are scheduled for delivery by March 2027. Later the Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme in J&K, under which the administration is working towards establishing a robust charging ecosystem to support the transition to electric mobility. The meeting was informed that 50 locations across J&K have been identified and found technically feasible for installation of public EV charging stations. These include 17 sites in Jammu, 5 in Kathua, 4 in Rajouri, 3 in Udhampur, 4 in Doda, 2 each in Ramban and Reasi, and 1 in Samba. Similarly in Kashmir Division, the identified sites include 4 in Srinagar, 3 in Baramulla and 1 each in Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Kupwara. The Chief Secretary was also apprised of the proposal for procurement of 200 electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. The proposal has received in-principle approval at the Government of India level and is being taken forward for procurement through Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that the charging infrastructure, electrical connectivity, land requirements and other supporting facilities are put in place well ahead of the deployment of electric buses. Emphasising the importance of integrating both initiatives with J&Ks broader tourism, urban mobility and environmental sustainability goals, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to maintain strict timelines and continuous monitoring at every stage. He stressed that the initiatives should translate into visible, sustainable and people-centric transport solutions, with the water transport projects and electric mobility infrastructure being progressed in a coordinated manner towards the targeted implementation within the stipulated timeframe.
CM Omar Abdullah meets individuals, deputations at Civil Secretariat
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several individuals and delegations at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed matters concerning governance, financial oversight and energy infrastructure in J&K. The Chief Minister met Sunilraj Somarajan, who recently assumed charge as Principal Accountant General (Audit), J&K. Discussions focused on institutional audit practices, financial oversight and measures to further strengthen transparency and accountability in governance. The Chief Minister also received a delegation led by Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). The delegation included PNGRB Secretary A.K. Mishra, Director (Monitoring) Lt. Col. Abhishek Kumar and senior representatives of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The meeting discussed measures to accelerate oil and gas infrastructure development in J&K, particularly expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks and promotion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), besides creating a conducive ecosystem for growth of the natural gas sector.
The changing economics of Kashmirs apple orchard
Wholesale prices of Kashmirs major apple varieties have moved in sharply different directions in recent years, with the average rate of Delicious apples falling by nearly 35 per cent between 2019-20 and 2023-24, while Hazratbali and several other varieties recorded substantial gains, official data show. According to data compiled by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Jammu and Kashmir, in its 49th edition of the Digest of Statistics, the average wholesale price of Delicious apples declined from Rs 708 per 16-kg box in 2019-20 to Rs 458 in 2023-24, a drop of about 35 per cent. The data are sourced from the Directorate of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing), J&K, and the Agriculture Production Department (Horticulture), J&K. The figures highlight the changing price dynamics among apple varieties in J&K, one of Indias major apple-producing regions, where growers have traditionally relied heavily on varieties such as Delicious. While Delicious prices weakened over the five years, several other varieties recorded gains. The average wholesale price of American apples rose from Rs 520 per box in 2019-20 to Rs 626 in 2023-24, an increase of about 20 per cent. Kesri prices increased from Rs 268 to Rs 327, while Maharaji registered a marginal decline from Rs 369 to Rs 353. Hazratbali recorded the steepest increase among the varieties listed in the table, with its average wholesale price rising from Rs 241 per box in 2019-20 to Rs 434 in 2023-24, an increase of about 80 per cent. Razahwari also recorded a significant rise, with its average wholesale rate increasing from Rs 254 to Rs 342 per box during the period. The divergent movement suggests that market returns have varied considerably across varieties, potentially influencing growers choices as they reassess the economics of traditional and newer orchard varieties. The longer historical series shows that Delicious prices have also been highly volatile. The average wholesale rate stood at Rs 318.39 per box in 2000-01 before surging to Rs 906.19 in 2001-02. It subsequently fluctuated, reaching Rs 605 in 2013-14 and Rs 876.92 in 2016-17, before easing to Rs 791.66 in 2017-18, Rs 863 in 2018-19 and Rs 708 in 2019-20. The price fell further to Rs 665.85 in 2020-21, recovered to Rs 733 in 2021-22 and then declined sharply to Rs 545 in 2022-23 and Rs 458 in 2023-24. The long-term data also show substantial gains in some other varieties. The average wholesale price of American apples increased from Rs 268.93 per box in 2000-01 to Rs 626 in 2023-24, while Hazratbali rose from Rs 141.50 to Rs 434 over the same period. The price movement was not confined to apples. Pear, another important fruit crop in J&K, recorded an average wholesale rate of Rs 716 per box in 2023-24, compared with Rs 453 in 2019-20, an increase of nearly 58 per cent. Cherry prices also rose, from Rs 74 per box in 2019-20 to Rs 126 in 2023-24. The Department of Economics and Statistics notes that box weights vary by fruit and variety. The table uses a 16-kg box for apples, 18 kg for pears and 10 kg for plums, while cherry prices are recorded per kilogram. For apple growers, the contrasting price trends underline the importance of variety selection as the regions horticulture sector faces changing consumer preferences, evolving market demand and increasing competition from newer varieties. The price data also provide context for the growing emphasis on improved and high-density orchards in J&Ks horticulture strategy. Growers are increasingly looking for varieties and orchard systems that can improve productivity, marketability and returns.
1995-batch IPS officer Rajesh Kumar appointed Special DG CRPF
Srinagar, Sep 3: Senior 1995-batch IPS officer Rajesh Kumar, presently Additional Director General (ADG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been appointed Special Director General (SDG), CRPF, marking another elevation in a career that has included several significant operational and leadership assignments in Jammu and Kashmir. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Thursday. Kumar has been appointed to the Level-16 post of Special Director General on an in-situ basis through temporary upgradation of the post he currently holds. His tenure will be for two years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Kumar belongs to the 1995 batch of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre, now part of the AGMUT cadre. The official J&K Police gradation list records his date of appointment to the IPS as September 3, 1995, and identifies him as being on deputation to the Government of India as ADGP in the CRPF. His elevation is particularly significant for Jammu and Kashmir, where he has held a number of sensitive assignments during different stages of his career, including IGP Jammu, DIG North Kashmir Range, IG Special Security Group (SSG) and IG CRPF (Operations), Kashmir. One of Kumars important J&K assignments was as DIG, North Kashmir Range, Baramulla. In March 2013, following his promotion, he was appointed IGP Jammu Zone, replacing Dilbag Singh. At the time, Kumar was described as having served in several important assignments in the J&K Police. Rajesh Kumar moved to the CRPF on central deputation in March 2018, when he was appointed Inspector General in the force. The appointment order on the IPS governments website records his induction as IG, CRPF, on February 28, 2018, while the J&K Police civil list records his deputation to the Government of India from March 12, 2018. His central deputation nevertheless kept him closely connected with Jammu and Kashmirs counter-insurgency grid. In June 2019, he was appointed IG CRPF (Operations), Kashmir, replacing Zulfqar Hassan. The assignment came months after the February 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, making the operational leadership of the force in Kashmir particularly sensitive. He subsequently served in senior CRPF assignments outside the operational theatre as well. In March 2023, he was posted as IG, Administration, CRPF Directorate, before being elevated to the ADG rank. As ADG, Kumar once again became closely associated with CRPFs Jammu and Kashmir operations. In 2024, he was serving as ADG CRPF. By 2026, Kumar was heading the CRPFs J&K Zone as ADG. He was present in Srinagar for major CRPF events and was described as ADG, J&K Zone, during the forces 88th Raising Day celebrations. The J&K Zone encompasses a large operational deployment of CRPF personnel involved in counter-insurgency, law-and-order and other internal-security duties. His deputation to the CRPF was also extended beyond March 18, 2026, by the ACC on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The latest elevation to Special Director General, CRPF, thus places a senior officer with extensive first-hand experience of Jammu and Kashmirs security environment in one of the forces highest operational leadership positions.
Islamia College BBA, BCA students face uncertainty over degree recognition, stage protest
Srinagar, Sep 3:Students admitted to BBA and BCA programmes at Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar, since 2023 are facing a major academic crisis over the recognition of their degree. The students said the questions were being raised whether the degrees they have spent years pursuing will now be recognised as BBA and BCA qualifications or be treated instead as general BA degrees. The uncertainty has raised serious questions over the status of the programmes at the time admissions were offered and the basis on which students were admitted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The aggrieved students said they enrolled for the programmes through the formal admission process after fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria, paying the required fees and attending their classes for years. The students and parents accordingly relied on the representation that we were enrolled in BBA and BCA programmes, the students said. Students complained that after spending years pursuing their respective courses, they were informed by the concerned authorities that the qualification they will receive may not correspond to the degree for which they were admitted. The issue can have wider implications for the students, potentially affecting our eligibility for higher education, employment opportunities, competitive examinations and future career prospects, the students said. The students and their parents sought clarification from Islamia College and the concerned University besides other competent authorities on the recognised and approved status of the BBA and BCA programmes when admissions were offered from 2023 onwards. The authorities should clarify on what grounds the students were given admission through CUET and whether students were informed before admission about any issue relating to recognition or equivalence of the degrees, the students said. The students also said the authorities must explain whether the status of the programmes changed subsequently, and under what circumstances. The aggrieved students said they took admission in good faith and have already invested years of study in the programmes. The authorities must take immediate measures to protect the future prospectus of the students. Students should not be made to bear the consequences of any institutional or regulatory lapse over which they had no control, the students added. The students urged the college administration and the concerned authorities clarify the issue and ensure that the academic and professional interests of all affected students are protected. Principal, Islamia College Srinagar, Prof. Aijaz Hakak was not available for his comments on the issue. Earlier, the 5th semester students enrolled in the B.Sc. Economics programme at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora raised strong objections over the change in their degree nomenclature from B.Sc. Economics to B.A. Economics. The students complained to Greater Kashmir that the IUST decided after they completed two years of the programme, without any prior formal communication or consultation. We were admitted to a BSc Economics programme. Almost two years in, with no notice, no consultation, and no explanation, the university changed it to BA Economics. This is not a minor technicality, but it changes the degree we will graduate with, the aggrieved students said.
Urban growth must go hand in hand with environmental protection: CM Omar
Srinagar, Sep 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the 91st Board of Directors meeting of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and 85th Board of Directors meeting of Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), to discuss proposals regarding amendments to be made in the Master Plans of Jammu and Srinagar. Chairman SDA Shabir Hussain Bhat and Chairman JDA Rupesh Kumar made separate presentations on the proposed plans. The discussions covered proposed amendments, public feedback, regulatory requirements and measures for planned and sustainable urban development. For Srinagar, the meeting discussed Town Planning Schemes, safeguards for Dal, Nigeen and other water bodies, alignment with J&K Unified Building Bye-Laws-2021, and reforms to simplify land-use zoning and building permissions. The Revised Jammu Master Plan-2032 was also discussed for 15 planning zones, rationalisation of land-use categories, geo-referenced mapping and aligning major infrastructure projects in the plan document. Environmental and heritage safeguards, including protection of the Tawi riverbed and watercourses, were also deliberated upon. The Chief Minister stressed the need to balance planned urban growth, reforms for ease of doing business, addressing public concerns and ensuring environmental protection while finalising the proposed Master Plans. The meetings were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS Finance Shailendra Kumar, ACS PWD Anil Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary Planning, Monitoring & Development Department Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mandeep Kaur, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary Law, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar, Commissioners of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Jammu Municipal Corporation and other concerned officers. Jammu-based officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Aryans Group of Colleges to organise blood donation camp on September 9
Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura, near Chandigarh, will organise a Blood Donation Camp on September 9 at the Aryans Campus. The initiative, as per a statement, is aimed at encouraging voluntary blood donation among students, faculty and staff and creating greater awareness about the life-saving importance of blood donation. Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group, said that the initiative is intended to promote the spirit of voluntary blood donation and sensitise the younger generation towards the importance of maintaining adequate blood availability for patients requiring emergency treatment, surgeries and other critical medical care. He further stated that a single blood donation can become a valuable contribution towards saving lives. The Aryans Group has been actively organising blood donation camps since its establishment, making it a consistent part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community welfare initiatives for the past 20 years. Over the years, these camps have encouraged the college community to come forward and contribute towards meeting the critical demand for blood in hospitals and emergency situations.
Losing precious plant resources
The Kashmir Himalayas, by virtue of being hilly and mountainous, with varied altitudinal gradients and a variety of macro and micro-climatic regimes, host a wide range of economically important plants, quite different from other regions of the country, in wild as well as in cultivated states. Additionally, since centuries the native farmer selections among useful indigenous plants for biomass, and the selective introductions from the Mediterranean, Europe and other temperate areas have also resulted in the accumulation and diversification of enormous plant genetic variability with respect to plants of agri-horticultural importance. Most of the economic plant species of this gene pool are region specific, some being strictly endemic, while others are locally long adapted, after introduction in the agro-ecological conditions of the region. Since the settlement of human population in the region, these plants have been catering to all the basic needs of the native people with respect to food and medicine, shelter and clothing. Possessing such a vast and unique plant biodiversity, Kashmir region has remained a leading biomass producing region of the country and is known for the export of its fruit, nuts, etc. As a result of unique geographical peculiarities, different climatic regimes, unique flora and fauna, the people of the region have their own cultural heritage, ethnic folklore, traditional healthcare systems, food habits and beverages. The man-plant relationship, since times, has also shaped their cultural identity, language and socio-economic development. Despite population pressures and climatic changes these plant resources shall continue to hold vast potential for current and future users for sustained development and wellbeing of the inhabitants. Significantly since the last several decades, these precious plant resources are now under threat and their constituents are slowly losing their habitat, their diversity and abundance mainly due to population pressures, change in land use pattern, urbanization, deforestation and erratic weather patterns. In addition, the selected cultivation of certain plant types and neglect of others for commercial gains, over harvesting of wild populations, continuous replacement of adapted and indigenous crop varieties (Farmers Varieties/ Land Races) by modern high yielding varieties/ hybrids and adoption of bio-hazardous production technologies have also contributed to the loss of native crop varieties and other economic plants growing in the wild. The rate of loss of native food cum economic plants has gained momentum as a result of institutional incentives to farmers to preferably cultivate newly bred high yielding crop genotypes which are economically more viable and resilient to climatic changes. Now after decades of adoption of new technologies and introduction of high yielding varieties and hybrids, most of the precious Land Races and other locally long adapted cultivars of all major crops and wild food plants (after having been thrown out of the cycle of cultivation), have been lost or marginalized. Consequently, more than hundred native land races of rice (both indica and japonica types, with unique quality traits), which used to be cultivated till middle of 20th century, have been completely lost, with no scope of their revival. Land Races of maize, having unique taste and traits, also stand either lost or have lost their genetic identity due to the introduction of hybrids. Kashmiri chillies, known all over India, for their blood red colour and pungency are losing their special traits due to random introductions. Latest victim have been the age old trusted fruit cultivars of Apple, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Apricots and Walnuts. They are being replaced by other exotic varieties under high density plantation drives adapted for high economic returns. Our famous indigenous Ambri Apple types (with long shelf-life and aroma) stand marginalized and neglected due to less commercial preference. Black Zeera (Zeera siyah) populations which once used to grow wild on large tracts on foot hills and on uplands, were considered as natural crop yielding substantial quantities of seed sufficient to be exported to neighboring states, have almost lost their habitat due to deforestation, excessive grazing and over harvesting, and are now restricted to some pockets of Gurez mountain slopes only. Our wild Tulips, Irises, Daffodils, Daisy populations, once seen growing abundantly on uplands and grasslands are also on the decline. Large mixed cultures of Elms (Bren), Willows (Vir), Black and White Poplars (Phrasse), Acacias (Kikar), Hackberry (Brimije) and Ailanto (Bohda) trees, a feature of most of the village outskirts of Kashmir, have vanished or the space been utilized by monocultures of Russian Poplars. Our graveyards and Sufi Shrine and Temple premises used to be the custodian of biodiversity nurturing and protecting large populations of Irises (Sosan posh), Daffodils, Lillies, Hyacinths (Sumbul), Wild Rue (Isband) and necessarily some large and old shade/fruit giving Chinars, Elms, Hackberry Trees, Jujube (Braeye), Apricots (Tchaere), and Cedars (Deodar). These sacred sites unfortunately now give a deserted look and their enclosures are covered by crops of tomb stones and invasive obnoxious weeds. Dozens of wild nutritious herbs easily available in our vicinities, (relished as vegetables by our ancestors) since centuries, have been abandoned after the introduction of European Vegetables and are seldom cooked nowadays [like Sochal (Mallows), Bhum (Water Lilly), Hande ( Dandelions), Nunar (Purslane), Lissa (Green Amaranths), Choukatchen (Garden Sorrel) , Kralemounde (Shepherds Purse), Gullala (Field Poppy), Gulla (Plantago), WopalHakh (Fullers Teasel) , Obuje(Sorrel), Dodije (Milk Thistle), Kretche(Star Thistle), KawaeKhoure (Butter Cup), Soyie (Nettles), PumbeHakh (Himalayan Rhubarb), Chounchor (Adders Tongues), Wan Pran(Wild Onion/ Garlics), Lachaeje(Goose Foot), etc.]. Little millets (Shoule), Italian millets (Pinga), Barley (Wishkae), Grain Amaranths (Ganhar) and Buckwheats (Troumba), once cultivated as substitute cereals and in fact more nutritious than rice and wheat, are no longer cultivated, after the introduction of high yielding and disease resistant exotic types of rice. Their germplasm lines have been completely lost. Many of the medicinal plants like Atis (Patres), Costus (Kought), Pan (Goa Zaban), Bugle (Jani-adam), Sweet Flag (Whye),Indian Podophyllum (Wan Wangun), Rhubarb (PambaHakh), Cobra Plant (HapatGogeje), and many others, have met with same fate and come under endangered status in wild. Similarly lot of other important and useful plants have suffered and the losses are yet to be documented. This slow erosion of plant resources is bound to affect the productivity of agro-ecosystems of the region and would prove catastrophic to the ecology of the region, food security and livelihood resources of farming communities. Even a cultural erosion is visible and is bound to affect our regional identities. Most of the native plant names are un-comprehensible to the new generation as they are not accquainted with the plants growing in their neighborhood, and can hardly identify them by local Kashmiri names. Even todays writers and poets can hardly use our most mesmerizing wild flowering plants like Arwal, Yemberzoule, Heey, Sumbul, Gullal, Karipaete, Achi-posh, etc., in their imaginative language to convey their emotions, thoughts and feelings (as metaphors/ similies) as can be seen in the poetic expressions of our great Sufi poets of recent past. In fact, now there is a global concern that biological diversity is being reduced by certain human activities and sensing its ill-effects on Biosphere, all countries, including India, have taken the responsibility for assessment of losses and conservation of their biological resources and for using them in a sustainable manner. Realizing that loss of biodiversity will have major impact on the development of humankind, the international community had accordingly agreed to programmes of action through the signing of Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and its near universal ratification. Since its adoption India has launched massive programmes across important biodiversity regions, for identification, documentation, characterization and conservation of plant genetic resources and Passed an Act namely, Biodiversity Act in the Parliament, in 2002. Under this Act, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has also set up a Biodiversity Council in 2013 whose main function is to conserve regional flora and fauna, promote sustainable resource use, and document local ecological heritage. Being absolutely crucial, the value of agricultural biodiversity extends far beyond being a mere resource for crop and breed improvement and forms an indispensable source of dietary diversity and the improved nutrition and better health that follows. Therefore, the conservation and wise use of this biodiversity is vital for sustained agricultural productivity, sustainability and economic growth of any region. Since there have been visible losses in the heritage & economic plants of this region, in recent years, the farming community ( the custodian of this heritage), needs to be made aware of the value of plant genetic resources for food and Agriculture, its future use and conservation. They should be convinced not to abandon their trusted and well adapted crop varieties while planting new commercially more attractive types; age old cultivars, especially of fruit crops, falling under different maturity groups and trusted since decades, for their performance, taste and quality, should not be neglected or totally replaced with modern types ; to maintain small representative populations of all important old cultivars to avoid possible failures of unpredictable performance of new introductions. Once thrown out of the cycle of cultivation, they will be lost and cannot be revived, even at great price. It is worthwhile to mention here that introductions of germplasm in the past, have been easy, and mostly complementary, as a goodwill gesture, but at present the procurement of germplasm has come under Intellectual Property Rights and thus has become a costly and risky affair. In this endeavour, our J&K stakeholders like our State Agriculture/ Horticulture Departments and other Agricultural Research cum Education Institutions (like SKUAST) have an important role to play and take concrete steps, in line with the Global Plan of Action in India for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture initiated by Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. They can help in the establishment of Field Gene Banks, across the region, for planting and maintaining and regeneration of the important germplasm lines of all major crops. Infrastructure for the establishment of Short/ Long Term Storage Facilities for ex situ conservation of germplasm, needs to be created on priority as has done in many other states of the country. Institutions should also encourage farmers to maintain broad diversity in crops; and give incentives for cultivation of local niche crop varieties and underutilized food plants for their development and commercialization, as nutrient rich ethnic foods. Being a part of the society, and a conservationist, I appeal to all conscious citizens, farmers, students and plant lovers of this Himalayan region to rise to the occasion and work towards sustainable and judicious use of our plant resources, promote local niche food plants, be environment friendly and safeguard the heritage, cultural and linguistic identities of its inhabitants, for a better future. Nazir Ahmad Zeerak, former Professor, SKUAST- Kashmir.
KNS holds workshopfor correspondents from Kashmir, Jammu divisions
The Kashmir News Service (KNS) group of publications on Thursday held its annual media workshop at the Convention Centre, Gulmarg, with correspondents from Kashmir and Jammu divisions, Srinagar city, senior editors and other journalists associated with the organisation participating in the day-long programme. The workshop, as per a statement, discussed the changing media environment and the challenges before professional journalists, particularly the spread of unverified information through social media. Speakers said the growing number of Facebook pages and anonymous news handles, many operating without any editorial mechanism, had made it difficult for readers to distinguish between verified news and unverified claims. They stressed that this had placed an added responsibility on professional news organisations to maintain accuracy and credibility. The participants emphasised that the rush to be first should not come at the cost of verification and that information circulating on social media should not be treated as news unless properly established. During the open session, correspondents raised issues related to training, field coordination and logistical support, particularly for those working in remote areas. They also suggested regular interaction between the editorial team and district correspondents to improve the flow and quality of news. The Editor-in-Chief assured the participants that the issues raised during the workshop would be looked into and necessary steps taken. Addressing the gathering, Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Aslam Bhat said a correspondent had a demanding job and that the quality of a news report depended largely on the accuracy of the information provided by the reporter.
Boosting Ladakh Sports: Indoor shooting range inaugurated in Leh
An all-year-round indoor shooting range has been inaugurated in Leh to provide greater access to the sport and help identify talent in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The insulated facility, equipped for air rifle and air pistol shooting, has been established by the Ladakh Shooting Association (LSA) in collaboration with the Ladakh Police at the newly built Sports Complex of the police. The range will be open to students, members of the public and police personnel, providing shooters an opportunity to train locally throughout the year despite the region's challenging weather conditions. NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo said the facility would help take shooting to the grassroots in Ladakh and provide a pathway for local talent to progress into competitive shooting. Ladakh presents its own unique geographical and climatic challenges, and an all-year-round facility like this can make a meaningful difference, Deo said. He also thanked the UT administration, Ladakh Police and the LSA for their efforts towards developing shooting in the region. NRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh said access to facilities was fundamental to the growth of any sporting ecosystem. Opening the range to students, the public and police personnel will help introduce more people to the sport while creating a larger pool from which talent can be identified, he said. The LSA and Ladakh Police will oversee the operation of the facility and facilitate its use for training and participation. The initiative is expected to reduce the need for aspiring shooters from Leh to travel outside the UT for basic training facilities. The Ladakh administration has also announced its support for developing additional shooting ranges at other districts and locations across the UT, potentially paving the way for a wider shooting network in the region.
There are moments in politics when the truth is revealed not merely by what political parties say, but by how power responds to what they say. Today was one such moment in Jammu and Kashmir. Two political parties took to the streets. The BJP chose to protest against the elected government and marched towards the Civil Secretariat, raising questions over unemployment, electricity tariffs, recruitment and governance. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chose to protest against the BJP and sought to march towards its office in Jawahar Nagar, primarily raising the unresolved question of restoration of statehood and the promises made by the Union government. But there was a fundamental difference in what happened next. The BJP was allowed to protest. The National Conference was stopped. That is not a distinction that can simply be erased by describing the day as two rival political protests. There were two political expressions, but they did not receive the same political space. The BJP has every democratic right to question the government of the day. It has every right to raise unemployment, electricity prices, recruitment or allegations of corruption. Opposition is not a favour extended by a government. It is an essential part of democracy. But the same principle must apply when the National Conference questions the BJP. The right to protest cannot depend upon who is being protested against. And this is where the BJPs protest today raises another uncomfortable question. The BJP speaks about unemployment, recruitment, corruption and governance as though these problems appeared in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday. They did not. Many of the structural problems confronting the region today are part of a much longer political and administrative inheritance, including the years in which the BJP and PDP shared power in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP cannot simultaneously present itself as an outsider to Jammu and Kashmirs political history and then claim the moral authority to lecture everyone else about the consequences of that history. The record belongs to everyone who has exercised power. The unemployment crisis did not begin with the present government. Questions surrounding recruitment, administrative functioning, development and public institutions have accumulated over years. The same political establishment that today demands answers from the National Conference must also be prepared to answer questions about its own contribution to the political and administrative landscape it helped shape. That is not to suggest that the present government should escape accountability. Quite the opposite. An elected government must be questioned relentlessly. But accountability cannot be selective, retrospective and politically convenient. The BJPs strongest argument today should therefore have been its demand for accountability. Yet accountability loses some of its moral force when the question of ones own record is conveniently left outside the frame. There is also a deeper irony here. The BJP was protesting against an elected government in the streets of Srinagar. That is democracy. The National Conference was attempting to protest against the BJP over an issue that concerns the political status and future of Jammu and Kashmir. That too is democracy. Yet one was facilitated while the other was stopped. That is where todays events become bigger than the BJP and the National Conference. They become a question about the democratic space available in Jammu and Kashmir. Democracy is not simply the holding of elections. It is not merely the existence of an Assembly or the presence of political parties. Democracy is also the ability of opposition to occupy public space, challenge power and make those in power uncomfortable. And Jammu and Kashmir has an additional democratic contradiction that cannot be ignored. The people have an elected government, but the territory continues to remain a Union Territory. The demand for restoration of statehood therefore remains more than an ordinary political slogan. It is a question about the relationship between an elected mandate and the larger constitutional and political authority exercised over Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conferences protest today was therefore not simply another political counterattack. It was an attempt to take a political argument directly to the organisation that bears substantial responsibility, for the present constitutional and political arrangement. If that protest is prevented while another party is permitted to take its protest to the seat of government, we must ask what equal democratic space actually means. The BJP must be free to challenge the National Conference government. The National Conference must be free to challenge the BJP. And the people must be free to watch both, judge both and ultimately decide between them. That is democracy. Anything less risks turning democratic politics into something profoundly unequal: a system where everyone may speak, but not everyone is permitted to be heard in the same way. Todays streets of Srinagar therefore leave us with a question that cannot be dismissed as partisan rhetoric: If one party can march against the government, but another cannot march against the party it holds responsible, then what exactly is the meaning of equal democratic space in Jammu and Kashmir? Adv. Shriya Handoo, JKNC Spokesperson
Sub-Junior Boys Football selection trials conclude across J&K
The three-day divisional-level selection trials for the J&K Sub-Junior Boys Football Team concluded across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. As per a statement issued, in Jammu, trials were conducted at the Mini Stadium Synthetic Turf, Parade Ground, Jammu. A total of 60 young footballers participated on day 3. The trials focused on assessing the players overall performance, including technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, game awareness, discipline and performance under match conditions. A total of 22 players have been shortlisted from Jammu Division for the next stage of the selection process. The selection committee closely evaluated the participating players throughout the matches and practical assessments. Based on their performances over the three-day selection process, players showing the required potential and performance were shortlisted for the next stage of selection. The trials were conducted under the supervision of District Sports Officer Jammu, B. A. Bakshi with Ricky Kumar, Nikita Thapa, Rameez and Dr. Rahul Razdan in selection committee. Meanwhile, 95 players participated on day 3 of Sub-Junior Boys Selection Trials in Kashmir Division. Following the completion of the three-day trials, a total of 52 players have been shortlisted from Kashmir Division for the next stage of the selection process. The selected players will now participate in the UT-Level Selection Trials, scheduled to commence from 7 September 2026 at TRC Ground, Srinagar. The UT-level trials will provide an opportunity for the shortlisted players to compete for selection to the final J&K Sub-Junior Boys team. The three-day trials witnessed enthusiastic participation from young footballers aspiring to represent Jammu & Kashmir at the national level. The selection process was conducted in a fair and systematic manner, providing the players an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
NC government and the saga of excuses
There was a time when the National Conference had a promise for every problem confronting Jammu and Kashmir. Today, it appears to have an excuse for every promise it has failed to fulfil. Before the elections, there were assurances of jobs, free electricity, economic relief, better governance and a brighter future. The people were encouraged to believe that an NC government would possess both the determination and the ability to deliver these commitments. After coming to power, however, the language has changed. Promises are increasingly being replaced by explanations, expectations by qualifications and accountability by excuses. This has become the defining contradiction of the Omar Abdullah government. When questions are raised about employment, there are explanations. When people ask about promised electricity relief, there are explanations. When young aspirants raise concerns about recruitment and reservation, there are explanations. When questions arise about larger political commitments, limitations of the Union Territory framework are repeatedly cited. But the people are entitled to ask one fundamental question: Were these limitations unknown to the National Conference when it was seeking votes? The constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir did not suddenly change after the NC formed the government. The powers and limitations of an elected government were known when its manifesto was drafted. If those limitations existed then, political honesty demanded that promises should have been made within those limitations. A manifesto cannot be ambitious before elections and suddenly become impractical after victory. Take employment. The youth were given enormous expectations about jobs and opportunities. For thousands of educated young people waiting for recruitment, the issue is not theoretical. Their careers and futures are at stake. They do not want another explanation of why things are difficult. They want opportunities. They want recruitment. They want results. The same applies to electricity. The promise of 200 free units generated expectations across Jammu and Kashmir. Today, when consumers confront increased tariffs, they naturally question the fate of that promise. This assumes even greater significance in Kashmir, where electricity during the severe winter is an essential household necessity. The government cannot answer an electricity bill with a political speech. There is an even larger issue involved credibility. Governments are ultimately judged not by the attractiveness of their manifestos but by their willingness to implement them. Every time a government explains away an unfulfilled commitment, public confidence suffers. The NC must realise that blaming circumstances, constitutional limitations or institutions cannot become a permanent substitute for governance. The BJP believes Jammu and Kashmir needs a politics of performance rather than a politics of perpetual justification. Development, investment, infrastructure, employment, tourism, connectivity and transparent governance have to remain the foundation of the regions future. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are politically mature. They understand that every government faces limitations. What they will not accept indefinitely is a political culture where limitations are forgotten while making promises and rediscovered while answering for them. The Omar Abdullah government received a mandate carrying enormous expectations. That mandate also carried enormous responsibility. The people did not vote for a government merely to hear why things cannot be done. They voted for a government to get things done. The National Conference therefore has a choice. It can convert its remaining tenure into a period of delivery and fulfilment, or it can continue adding chapters to what is rapidly becoming its saga of excuses. Because ultimately, elections are fought on promises but governments are judged on performance. And when promises disappear behind excuses, political accountability is never far behind. Sunil Sethi, Chief Spokesperson, J&K BJP
Division-Level championship: Jammu, Kathua Chess teams shine
The Inter-District Division-Level Chess Competition (Boys) for Jammu Province 202627 concluded here on Thursday, with District Jammu and District Kathua emerging as the top performers in the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 categories. The closing ceremony was held at Yatri Niwas, Chanderkote, under the aegis of the Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K. Director General, Youth Services & Sports, J&K, Anuradha Gupta, was the chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan was also present. Around 150 young chess players representing various districts and schools of Jammu Province participated in the championship, showcasing their strategic skills, discipline and sporting spirit. The competition was conducted in the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 categories, providing young players with an opportunity to gain valuable competitive exposure and test their skills against players from across the province. Addressing the gathering, Anuradha Gupta called upon coaches and technical officials to identify promising chess talent at the grassroots level and nurture it through regular coaching, mentoring and guidance. She stressed the need to effectively pass on the knowledge acquired through recently organised chess training programmes and seminars to young players. The DG emphasised the importance of adopting a long-term approach to player development, urging coaches to prepare talented youngsters not only for individual competitions but also for divisional, UT and national-level events. Encouraging the participants to dream big, she advised them to remain curious, ask questions, continuously learn and seek guidance from their teachers, parents and coaches. The DG also appreciated the District Administration Ramban for its support and cooperation in hosting the championship. She acknowledged the logistical and geographical challenges of the district and lauded the coordinated efforts of the administration and organising team in ensuring the successful conduct of the event. During the closing ceremony, the DG and Deputy Commissioner felicitated the winners and runners-up in the various categories. In the Under-14 category, District Jammu secured the first position, while District Kathua finished as runners-up. District Jammu also emerged victorious in the Under-17 category, with Kathua securing the second position. In the Under-19 category, District Kathua claimed the top spot, followed by District Jammu. Anuradha Gupta congratulated the winners, runners-up, players, coaches and technical officials for their dedication and sporting spirit. She also appreciated the efforts of DYSSO Ramban Nazir Hussain, officers, officials, coaches, technical officials and field staff for the smooth conduct of the championship. The event provided an important platform for spotting emerging chess talent among school-going children while promoting strategic thinking, discipline and competitive spirit, with an aim to prepare young players for higher-level competitions.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank is not merely a financial institution in J&K; it is an institution with which people have a deep economic and emotional connection. Any discussion about its lending priorities, recruitment policy, board composition or corporate headquarters, therefore, inevitably acquires a significance that goes beyond conventional banking concerns. It is against this backdrop that Apni Party president and former finance minister Mr. Altaf Bukhari, during a recent press conference in Srinagar, raised several serious questions concerning the lending pattern, recruitment policy and representative character of the Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Bank. He also referred to the possibility of relocating the banks headquarters. The party has sought clarity from the J&K government on these issues, particularly because the government remains the banks largest shareholder, with around a 52 percent stake. The questions raised by Apni Party need to be viewed within the broader framework of its political programme and ideological position. Following the press conference, the party president wrote an article titled J&K Bank is Our Bank, Let It Remain So, published in this paper on September 2, 2026, seeking to take the debate forward. Apni Party describes its ideological approach as a center-ground, pragmatic and regionalist ideology, focused largely on socio-economic development and safeguarding the rights of the people. The party has consistently sought to respond to what it considers the rational aspirations of the people of J&K, including the protection of land ownership and government employment for residents of the region. Its intervention in the functioning of J&K Bank is, therefore, also consistent with its larger campaign for employment opportunities for local youth and their meaningful participation in the nation-building process. But there is a larger issue here that political parties cannot afford to ignore. Across J&K, there is growing pressure on political organizations to address questions of economic insecurity, unemployment and declining opportunities. Political parties are increasingly being judged not merely by their political positions but by their ability to respond to the everyday economic anxieties of the people. The recent youth and student protests have only intensified these pressures. The Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank, Mr. Amitava Chatterjee, has responded promptly to several of the questions raised by Apni Party leaders. His clarifications are important, but they do not entirely remove the need for a broader response from the government. Since the J&K government is the banks largest shareholder, the Omar Abdullah government also needs to articulate its position clearly. Transparency on these matters is essential if a trust deficit between the bank and the people is to be avoided. Before examining the bank chiefs response, however, it is important to understand the difficult economic and political environment in which these questions are being raised. First, political parties and opinion leaders in J&K are under increasing public scrutiny over the prevailing economic situation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for instance, has presented a grim assessment of the J&K economy. Its senior leader Nayeem Akhter has highlighted concerns over low levels of government spending. Businesses, he has argued, are under considerable stress, with many entrepreneurs facing bankruptcy. Government spending has reportedly been curtailed, while contractors have become reluctant to take up new works. Concerns have also been raised about delays in the release of General Provident Fund (GPF) amounts to government employees and gratuities to retired employees. The real estate sector remains under pressure, while construction activity has also suffered. Former finance minister and noted economist Haseeb Drabu has, on several occasions, drawn attention to the difficult economic circumstances facing J&K and their possible long-term consequences. He has argued that the economy has performed worse over the past six years, with slower income growth, higher inflation and higher unemployment, even though the business environment has improved in the absence of bandhs. More importantly, he has pointed to the low level of credit as an additional constraint on an economy already suffering from a shortage of capital. In a capital-scarce economy, inadequate access to credit can have serious implications for investment, entrepreneurship and future growth. This brings the discussion back to the role of J&K Bank. As one of the most important financial institutions in the region, its lending policies inevitably have consequences for businesses, entrepreneurs and employment. The question is not simply how much credit is being extended, but also where that credit is flowing, who is able to access it and whether the lending pattern is adequately supporting the productive sectors of the local economy. The second major challenge is demographic. Economists and demographers have repeatedly warned that Indias youth bulge is expected to begin losing its demographic advantage around 2030. The transition could be particularly difficult if educational attainment, employability and job creation do not keep pace with the aspirations of a young population. The psychology of todays youth also deserves greater attention. Young people possess considerable capacity to challenge established political institutions, but they may not necessarily have the opportunities, tools or training required to rebuild institutions in a constructive manner. A generation confronted by corruption, unemployment and political uncertainty can easily become disillusioned with conventional politics. In extreme circumstances, such frustration can create an attraction towards radical political causes. This is why employment cannot be treated as merely an administrative issue. The reported collection of 48.88 crores in job application fees by the J&K government over two years has become an eye-catching public issue precisely because employment has acquired such emotional and political significance among young people. Political parties and governments cannot afford to sleep over these concerns. It is in this larger context that the response of the J&K Bank management assumes significance. Mr. Chatterjee has assured that the bank intends to fill around 1,400 posts and that a notification for these positions will be issued shortly. He has also stated that these positions will be open only to J&K domiciles. If implemented transparently and expeditiously, such recruitment can provide a measure of relief to a large number of educated young people who are desperately looking for employment opportunities. The bank chief has also acknowledged the deep emotional connection between J&K Bank and the people of the region. On the question of representation on the Board, he has indicated that he would like to see Kashmiri representation, while making it clear that such an appointment falls within the prerogative of the J&K government. He has also ruled out any relocation of the banks corporate headquarters. These clarifications are welcome. Yet, the larger question of public confidence remains. J&K Bank occupies a unique position in the economic life of the region, and its future cannot be viewed exclusively through the lens of corporate governance or banking efficiency. Its relationship with the people of J&K has a historical and emotional dimension that makes transparency and accountability particularly important. The Omar Abdullah government, with the Chief Minister also holding the finance portfolio, therefore needs to provide its own considered response to the concerns that have been raised. Silence or ambiguity can create unnecessary suspicion, whereas a clear explanation can strengthen public confidence. The debate over J&K Bank should consequently move beyond political arguments and counter-arguements. What J&K needs is a serious conversation about credit, employment, representation, accountability and the role of its principal financial institution in supporting economic recovery. J&K Bank belongs to its shareholders legally, but its significance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is much larger than its shareholding structure. It is an institution in which generations of people have placed their savings, aspirations and economic hopes. Preserving that relationship of trust must, therefore, remain a shared responsibility of the bank, its management, its shareholders and the government. Prof Gull Wani is Kashmir based Political Scientist
The Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES), University of Kashmir (KU), concluded its 40-day-long Inter-Department Mens Cricket Tournament at the Ground A of the Main Campus, with enthusiastic participation from students representing various teaching departments and satellite campuses. The tournament, as per a KU statement, witnessed an overwhelming response, with 52 teams and over 800 students participating in the competition, making it one of the largest inter-department cricket tournaments organised by the University in recent years. The final between the Institute of Technology (IOT), Zakura Campus KU, and North Campus KU, turned into a thrilling contest. Batting first, IOT, Zakura Campus, posted a target of 128 runs in the allotted overs, with Arsalan contributing 27 runs to the teams total. In turn, North Campus also scored 128 runs in the stipulated overs, taking the match into a Super Over. In the decisive contest, North Campus scored 22 runs, while IOT, Zakura Campus, managed 10, enabling North Campus to clinch the title by 12 runs in a nail-biting finish and dethrone the defending champions. The concluding ceremony was presided over by Director, DPES KU, Prof. Raies Qadri, and attended by Dean and Director, IoT, Zakura Campus KU, Prof. Muhammad Tariq Banday, and Director, North Campus KU, Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad, as Guests of Honour. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Qadri congratulated both finalists for their impressive performances and commended all participating teams for displaying sporting spirit and discipline throughout the tournament. He also announced that the Directorate would organise a coaching camp for selected probables from the tournament to prepare them for participation in the forthcoming Inter-Collegiate Cricket Tournament. Prof. Banday highlighted the importance of sports in the overall development of students and urged them to actively participate in sporting activities with enthusiasm and passion. Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad also congratulated both the teams. Earlier, Assistant Director, DPES KU, Dr. Nadeem presented a brief report about the tournament. Medals and trophies were subsequently distributed among the winners and runner-ups. The tournament was coordinated by Assistant Director, DPES KU, Dr. Nadeem Ahmad, with assistance from Cricket Coaches DPES KU, Sakeena Akhter and Amjad Qadir. The proceedings of the concluding ceremony were conducted by Football Coach DPES KU, Sajid Yousuf Dar.
Kashmir Super League Season 2 to kick Off under lights at TRC Ground today
Season 2 of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League (KSL) will get underway Friday evening at the TRC Ground, Srinagar, with United Elegant FC taking on Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC in the opening fixture. The match, as per a statement, is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. under lights, setting the stage for another season of competitive franchise football in Jammu & Kashmir. Powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, the Kashmir Super League enters its second season after a successful inaugural edition that generated significant fan interest and digital engagement across the region. The opening clash will see United Elegant FC and Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC become the first two sides to take the field in the six-team tournament, with both franchises aiming to begin their campaign on a winning note. The second fixture on Saturday will feature Athwas India XI FC against Sanctorum North United FC, while New JK United FC will face Swift Strikers FC Rainawari on Sunday. All three opening-round matches will be played at 6:30 p.m. at the TRC Ground. The second edition features six franchise teams United Elegant FC, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Athwas India XI FC, Sanctorum North United FC, New JK United FC and Swift Strikers FC Rainawari who have assembled their squads following an intensive player bidding process. Around 200 footballers participated in the Season 2 player bidding, with the six franchises competing to secure players for their respective squads. The process provided local footballers with an opportunity to earn places in a professionally structured and competitive franchise league. With all six squads now finalised, the franchises have turned their attention to the field as they chase the KSL championship. Season 2 is aimed at taking the league to another level by providing players with a stronger competitive platform while bringing quality football closer to supporters across Jammu & Kashmir. The league has also received support from a number of sponsors and partners, including Events Emporio, Nivia, NITIans Career Institute, Labaika Hajj & Umrah, Amul and J&K Sports Council. The organisers express gratitude to the J&K Sports Council, franchise owners, team managements, coaches, players, match officials, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for contributing to the growth of the competition. With the squads picked and the opening fixture now just hours away, the second season promises to add another chapter to the region's growing football culture.
As jurors deliberate the Lindsay Clancy case, here are key moments from the trial
Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy murder case are trying to decide whether the former labor and delivery nurse is criminally responsible for killing her three children at her Massachusetts home in 2023
Vande Bharat Express to halt at Anantnag by September-end
Srinagar, Sep 3:The Railway Board has approved an experimental stoppage of the Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag, with the halt likely to begin by month-end. Residents, tourism operators, traders and local businesses have welcomed the decision, saying direct access to the premium train will improve connectivity to south Kashmir and benefit the local economy. In its August 17 communication, the Board directed Northern Railway to introduce the halt from an early convenient date, subject to security clearance and other operational formalities. The order, issued under reference number 2025/CHG/13/NR/18-PART (24), sanctioned the stoppage of trains 26401/26402 at Anantnag. The board said, As part of the arrangement, the railway authorities should closely monitor ticket bookings and passenger response at Anantnag to assess the viability and performance of the stoppage. It also directed officials to Give wide publicity, ensure compliance and confirm implementation. The exact date and timings of the halt are yet to be notified. For tourism operators, the service could make it easier for visitors to reach Pahalgam and other south Kashmir destinations without first travelling to Srinagar. We had requested the Central government for a halt at Anantnag because tourism-related business had come to a standstill. Now it is good news for tourism, said Muhammad Syed Nanda, chairman of the South Kashmir Tour Operators Association. It will open livelihood opportunities. Restaurants, dhabas, tea-stall vendors, local transporters and other businesses will benefit, Nanda said. Tourists can get down at Anantnag and travel directly to Pahalgam and other destinations. They will not have to go to Srinagar first, he said. The Trade Federation Anantnag said the halt fulfilled a long-standing demand of the people and business community. This was a long-standing demand of the people of South Kashmir, particularly the business community, said its chairman, Shah Sajad Hakeem. We express our sincere gratitude to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for accepting this demand. We also thank Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi for their efforts in taking up the issue and ensuring that the concerns of the people were heard, Hakeem said. Anantnag is the commercial hub of South Kashmir. Improved rail accessibility will make travel easier for traders and contribute positively towards tourism, employment generation and the local economy, he said. Local vendors near the station also expect more passenger traffic to translate into business. Passengers had to go to Srinagar or Banihal to board the Vande Bharat Express, said Abdul Rashid, a tea-stall owner at Harnag-Anantnag Railway Station. People would get more livelihood opportunities once the train halts here. Anantnag is the largest railway station between Banihal and Srinagar and a key rail gateway to Pahalgam, Kokernag, Verinag, Daksum, Achabal, Chatapal, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, and Aharbal. The halt is also expected to improve access for passengers from Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama. Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw,had announced the proposed Anantnag halt in June following his meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during which expansion of railway services in J&K was discussed.
Stipend row turns into NMC, Supreme Court flashpoint
Srinagar, Sep 3:With MBBS and BDS interns across J&K refusing to report for duty since August 31 in protest of the delay in stipend-hike, hospitals here are grappling with a severe crunch of working hands. The sudden withdrawal has left senior faculty and resident doctors stretched thin. The core of the matter is the debate on ethical work-load and commensurate emoluments to interns in view of the Supreme Court guidelines. At GMC Srinagar, GMC Jammu, SKIMS Bemina, GMC Anantnag, GMC Baramulla and GMC Handwara and other institutions, interns typically form the first line of round-the-clock care. They form a significant proportion of the staff deputed in emergency rooms, managing wards, and staffing OPDs through the night. The withdrawal of services has significantly impacted emergency rooms, wards and outpatient departments, according to hospital officials. There is no single official headcount of interns currently undergoing the mandatory one-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) in J&K. It can be gauged from the 1100 MBBS seats that J&K had in the 2020-21 session. Since the batch now serving as interns, plus BDS graduates, the total would be running into several hundred to over a thousand young doctors. This is estimated to be the largest simultaneous intern walkouts. Interns say their stipend of roughly Rs 12,300, that has been broken down as Rs 400 a day, is inadequate to meet their basic needs and has remained unchanged for nearly seven years. Protesters have cited Odisha paying its interns Rs 44,319 a month, West Bengal paying Rs 43,099 and Assam Rs 35,000. In J&K a 2023-constituted committee had recommended raising the J&K stipend to around Rs 25,000. This was later cited in the 2026 Assembly session as Rs 26,300. However, apart from the recommendations and a file being stuck, no other communication regarding thei has been received from the government. J&K Health Minister Sakina Itoo recently called the demand justified and urged interns against striking. She expressed concern that the withdrawal of services could negatively impact patient care. The NMC, responding to a Union Health Ministry query on the stipend issue in February this year said its CRMI Regulations, 2021 already provide for payment of stipend to interns. The actual implementation and quantum are decided by respective states and UTs, the NMC said. This, it said, is based on their own financial capacity and budget provisions. Months later, in June 2026, it told the Supreme Court that non-payment persisted at only seven of 756 medical colleges nationwide. Hearing a batch of pleas, the apex court directed that year that Army College interns be paid Rs 25,000 a month from October 2023. In October 2025 the SC rebuked the Commission, observing that its conduct deserved to be deprecated since the stipend issue had been pending before the court for long. The matter remains under the court's active supervision. A nodal counsel has been appointed in June 2026 to compile a state-wise compliance chart. Under the CRMI Regulations, 2021, interns have a defined middle ground in hospital hierarchies, working under supervision throughout the internship. They are not permitted to practise independently. They may assist but cannot perform major procedures on their own. Thus J&K's interns could assist in OPDs, ward rounds, emergency-unit postings and night shifts. However, their shifts often stretches 24-36 hours. There also is compulsory rural postings, making their work demanding and exhaustive. While the government has reiterating that the revised stipend proposal is under process, the log-jam raises questions about ethical workload and stipend as per the guidelines and trends across the country.
Gunshots heard in upper reaches of Yusmarg
Srinagar, Sep 3:Gunshots were heard in the upper reaches of Yuusmarg area of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Thursday evening during a joint cordon-and-search operation, officials said. Officials said the operation was launched by a joint team of the Army and police following specific intelligence inputs. The area is far away and boundary metric Budgam and Poonch, officials said. During the searches, security forces heard gunshots, prompting them to further tighten the cordon around the area. The search operation was underway when last reports were received.
LG Sinha, CM Omar greet people on Janmashtami
Srinagar, Sep 3:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended their heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, which will be celebrated on Thursday on September 4, 2026. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said: On the joyous occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all. The life and teachings of Lord Krishna carry a universal message celebrating the ultimate victory of righteousness and virtue. His timeless wisdom to action guide us to fulfill our duties without attachment to the outcome. May Lord Shri Krishna guide us toward righteousness, and may his divine blessings bring joy and prosperity to all. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. In his message, the CM said the festival of Janmashtami symbolises the triumph of righteousness, truth and compassion over evil. He expressed hope that the occasion would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. CM Omar prayed that the festival brings peace, prosperity and happiness to all, and strengthens the spirit of unity and harmony in society.
Indias economic growth source of confidence for world: PM Modi
New Delhi, Sep 3:India and Belgium on Thursday vowed to expand cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and technologies following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wide-ranging talks with his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever. In his media statement, Modi highlighted India's 7.8 percent economic growth in the last quarter and framed the country's rise as a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world. The Belgian prime minister described the conclusion of the India-European Union free trade pact as a major milestone and said New Delhi and Brussels are building a relationship that is broad and more strategic than ever before. Today, the world is going through a period of great upheaval. Conflicts continue to persist in many parts of the world. Whether it is food, fuel, or supply chains, every sector is being impacted by uncertainty, PM Modi said. In this challenging environment, India's economy has maintained its momentum. We recorded 7.8 per cent growth in the last quarter. Today, India's growth story is becoming a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world, he said. Modi described the defence and security cooperation between the two countries as a key pillar of the overall relationship. Today, we agreed to enhance military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries. The agreements between our governments and defence industries will open up new opportunities for defence co-development and co-production, he said. We will also further strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation between our agencies in combating crime, PM Modi said. He said people-to-people ties between the two nations are the greatest strength of the engagement, adding both sides agreed to strengthen connections between start-ups and to enhance capacity building in the maritime sector. We will also strengthen university and research cooperation. And, to facilitate talent mobility, we will soon conclude a 'Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement', the PM said. He once again pitched for resolving the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy. India and Belgium, both believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we support all efforts for the early end of conflicts and for peace, PM Modi said. He said India and Belgium are committed to eradicating every form of terrorism. The PM listed the priorities of the two countries to expand cooperation in areas of high technology and clean energy. A clean energy future and reliable supply chain are our shared priorities. An MoU signed today on renewable energy will give new momentum to our sustainability cooperation, he said. In critical minerals, we have decided to increase cooperation in processing and recycling. In semiconductors, Belgium's expertise and India's scale are complementary to each other, PM Modi said. De Wever's trip builds on the Belgian Economic Mission to India that was led by Princess Astrid in March last year. Around 40 agreements were signed during the visit of the Belgian Economic Mission. De Wever's visit will also reinforce Belgium's important role in strengthening India-EU relations, said an official. India and Belgium share historical ties spanning over three centuries. Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India, in September 1947. Belgium is an important economic partner for India in Europe. Bilateral trade reached USD 13.01 billion in 2025-26. Diamond trade, with Antwerp as a major global diamond hub, remains a significant component of bilateral commerce. Belgium is also an important source of investment in India. FDI inflows from Belgium amounted to approximately USD 4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025. In July, India and Belgium further strengthened their political engagement by establishing a new ministerial-level strategic dialogue. The inaugural Belgium-India strategic dialogue was held in Brussels on July 15 and it was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot. The dialogue provides a new institutional framework for advancing bilateral cooperation and discussing regional and global issues. India and Belgium have developed cooperation in renewable energy, clean technologies and sustainability. Belgian company John Cockerill is building an electrolyzer production facility in Kakinada, with an expected capacity of 2 GW. Belgium's position as a major European maritime and logistics hub provides opportunities for cooperation in ports, shipping and supply chains.
Srinagar, Sep 3:What was announced as a one-day shutdown for desilting at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project has turned into a prolonged outage, with its 450-MW Stage-I remaining non-operational for the 18th day amid heavy accumulation of silt at the gates. The prolonged shutdown has effectively reduced generation at the 900-MW Baglihar project by half, leaving only Stage-II, with a capacity of 450 MW, in operation. Desilting and silt-flushing operations at Baglihar began on August 18. While Stage-II was restored on August 22, Stage-I has remained out of operation because of silt accumulated around its gates, according to officials familiar with the development. The extended outage has also added to the power supply problems in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to unscheduled power curtailments and forcing the power department to arrange additional electricity from outside J&K. Officials privy to the power management situation said close to 450 MW of additional electricity has to be purchased from outside to compensate for the loss of generation from Baglihar. The shutdown comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir's summer peak power demand is around 2500 MW. Earlier, during the shutdown of Baglihar and other hydropower projects, the overall deficit had widened significantly, resulting in unscheduled outages across J&K. Sources familiar with the developments at Baglihar said the Stage-I outage became prolonged after complications arose during the silt-flushing operation. According to them, a gate was opened during the flushing exercise, but instead of the operation proceeding smoothly, large quantities of silt accumulated around the gates and the adjoining system, making restoration difficult. The sources attributed the situation to alleged mismanagement in the handling of the desilting exercise and said an operation involving such a critical power project required much more careful planning. If desilting had to be undertaken, it should have been done in a proper and planned manner. We cannot afford to do this kind of thing, an official privy to the development said. The official said keeping 450 MW of generation unavailable for such a prolonged period had consequences beyond the project itself, as the shortfall had to be compensated through outside purchases while consumers were facing unscheduled curtailment. This is 450 MW of generation. Around 400 MW has to be purchased from outside to bridge the gap, the official said. A senior official associated with the ongoing restoration work said the problem was now technically difficult and potentially hazardous because of the extent of the accumulated silt. Our gates are five metres high, but the silt is around eight metres high, the senior official said. This means the accumulated silt has reached around three metres above the height of the gates, considerably complicating the task of clearing it. The official said the accumulation had taken place with the passage of time during the silt-flushing process and that engineers could not attempt to clear it hastily because of the risks involved. It is a very risky job. We have to take precautions, the official said. He said the high water level in the Chenab was adding another layer of difficulty to the operation. With the water level remaining high, the teams working on the project have to balance the requirement of removing the accumulated silt with the safety of personnel and equipment, making the restoration process both technically and operationally challenging. The official also clarified that the problem was not restricted to one gate, indicating that the accumulation had affected a wider portion of the flushing system. Work is going on, but I think it will take more than 15 days, the official said while explaining the difficulties involved in restoring the affected 450-MW capacity. Baglihar, constructed on the Chenab in Ramban district, has an installed generation capacity of 900 MW divided equally between its two stages. Each stage comprises three 150-MW Francis turbine generating units. Stage-I was commissioned in 2008-09, while Stage-II followed in 2015-16. The project is one of Jammu and Kashmir's major indigenous sources of electricity, making prolonged generation losses particularly significant for the J&K's power management. The shutdown has had a direct impact on Jammu and Kashmir's power availability. The loss of 450 MW from Baglihar, combined with disruptions at other hydropower projects during the desilting period, widened the deficit and contributed to unscheduled electricity cuts. The power department consequently had to explore alternative arrangements and additional purchases to manage demand. For consumers, the situation has translated into power interruptions outside the notified curtailment schedules in several areas, while for the government the replacement of locally generated hydropower with electricity purchased from outside carries an additional financial burden. Meanwhile, a separate issue concerning the quality and shelf life of paint reportedly used in the spiral casing of Stage-II has also been flagged by sources. The spiral casing is an important part of a hydroelectric generating unit. It surrounds the turbine and distributes water around the turbine runner before the water passes through the generating mechanism. Since the component continuously operates in a water environment, protective coatings have an important role in protecting its surface against corrosion and deterioration. Sources said that because of the nature and location of the component, any question regarding the quality or suitability of the protective material used on it warranted a proper technical examination. When contacted regarding reports of an inquiry into the alleged use of expired products, Surakshit Shaan, AEE Maintenance, BHEP Stage-II, said he was not aware of the specific matter. He also said he was not authorised to speak to the media on the issue.
Nepal Disaster: A Himalayan warning for J&Ks hydropower expansion
Srinagar, Sep 3:The catastrophe that struck Nepal should not be viewed in Jammu and Kashmir merely as another tragedy in another country. It is a warning from the Himalayas to the Himalayas. The August 26 glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung sent a massive mass of ice, rock and debris into the valley, triggering a devastating flood through the Trishuli river system. The disaster caused extensive loss of life and severely damaged hydropower projects and other infrastructure, with rescue teams searching for workers believed to be trapped inside project tunnels. Nobody can responsibly claim that hydropower projects caused the Nepal disaster. They did not. But the catastrophe has highlighted another vulnerability: when powerhouses, tunnels, dams, roads, construction camps and large workforces are concentrated in narrow and fragile Himalayan valleys, their exposure to extreme natural events can be enormous. Experts in Himalayan geology, hydrology and disaster management say the changing climate is making conventional assumptions about mountain hazards increasingly unreliable. They point to glacier retreat, expansion of glacial lakes, changing precipitation patterns, unstable slopes and the growing possibility of compound events involving landslides, avalanches and extreme floods. They caution that the issue is not simply whether an individual dam or tunnel can withstand a known level of hazard, but whether the cumulative concentration of infrastructure in a fragile basin remains safe when several hazards occur simultaneously. And Nepal is not the first warning. In February 2021, an avalanche of rock and ice in Uttarakhands Chamoli district generated a devastating flash flood down the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga valleys. The 13.2-MW Rishiganga hydropower project was washed away and the under-construction 520-MW Tapovan-Vishnugad project was severely damaged. More than 200 people were reported dead or missing. Sikkim followed in October 2023. A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood from South Lhonak Lake sent an enormous surge down the Teesta. The 1200-MW Teesta-III hydropower dam at Chungthang was breached, while roads, bridges, settlements and other infrastructure downstream were devastated. Experts say these events can no longer be treated simply as isolated, once-in-a-century occurrences. They argue that the Himalayan risk profile needs to be reassessed in the context of a changing climate. Jammu and Kashmir belongs to this same Himalayan system. Against this background, the question is whether hydropower development can continue to be planned on assumptions that may no longer adequately reflect the regions evolving hazards. J&K already has a formidable hydropower construction programme. Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kiru (624 MW) and Kwar (540 MW) together represent 3014 MW of additional capacity, involving massive investment and extensive construction in the Chenab basin. The argument is not that projects already at an advanced stage of construction should be abandoned. The question is what should happen before another major project is sanctioned, another long tunnel is bored or another fragile stretch of river is subjected to intensive construction. Experts argue that J&K should consider a temporary pause on fresh large hydropower commitments to allow an independent cumulative reassessment of Himalayan safety. Such an assessment, they say, should go beyond the conventional project-by-project approach. One dam may receive environmental clearance, another tunnel may undergo geological assessment and another project may prepare its own disaster-management plan. But nature does not recognise project boundaries. A river basin is an interconnected ecological and geological system. Experts therefore call for cumulative assessments examining what multiple dams, tunnels, access roads, blasting, slope cutting, muck disposal and transmission infrastructure together mean for a basin. Such an assessment should map glaciers and potentially dangerous glacial lakes upstream, reassess landslide and seismic vulnerability, examine extreme-flood assumptions and determine whether dam and tunnel designs remain adequate under changing climatic conditions. Experts also stress that construction-phase risks deserve greater attention. Tunnelling, blasting, road cutting and disposal of excavated material can alter slopes and drainage patterns, potentially increasing vulnerability in already fragile terrain. J&K has already recognised some of these dangers. Early flood-warning systems are being pursued around hydropower projects and work on a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas has been initiated. Experts welcome these measures but point out that an early-warning system answers only one question: when might danger be approaching? It does not answer the more fundamental question: how much additional intervention can a mountain basin safely absorb? A warning system may provide valuable time for evacuation. It cannot eliminate the underlying exposure of a vulnerable dam, tunnel, road or construction camp located in a hazard-prone area. There was a time when exploiting every technically available megawatt of hydropower appeared synonymous with progress. Experts say climate change requires that assumption to be reconsidered. Technical potential, they caution, cannot automatically be equated with environmentally and geologically safe potential. The Himalayas have limits. Nepal has reminded the region of those limits at an unbearable human cost. Chamoli and Sikkim had warned us earlier. Jammu and Kashmir should not wait for a similar catastrophe closer to home before asking questions that can still be asked today. A temporary pause on fresh large hydropower commitments, pending an independent and transparent cumulative safety reassessment, need not amount to opposition to development. It can instead be an argument for development informed by what the Himalayas themselves are telling us. Nor does slowing further hydropower expansion mean compromising J&Ks aspiration for energy security. There is another vast source of energy waiting to be exploited one that requires neither damming another river nor tunnelling through another mountain. It lies on the roofs of homes, factories and public buildings. That is where this power talk will turn next.
Srinagar, Sep 3: The Centre on Thursday reviewed the preparedness of Jammu and Kashmir and four Himalayan states for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches, focusing on vulnerable sites, early warning, evacuation and response. The meeting came in the wake of the Nepal-Tibet glacier disaster that killed more than 1000 people and left over 2000 missing. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired the meeting in New Delhi. It was attended by the chief secretaries and State Disaster Management Authorities of J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority, Central Water Commission, India Meteorological Department and Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment also attended. Officials reviewed vulnerable glacial lakes and snow-covered areas, high-risk locations and downstream flow paths, along with alert dissemination, evacuation plans and response resources. The states and J&K presented measures for monitoring vulnerable lakes, mapping flow paths, issuing early warnings, reaching communities and deploying response resources. Mohan said vulnerable glacial lakes and avalanche-prone areas required continuous and proactive monitoring, particularly during periods of heightened risk. He said state agencies, district administrations and scientific and technical institutions must coordinate so warnings are acted upon promptly and effectively. Preparedness for GLOFs and snow avalanches must move beyond response-oriented measures towards risk-informed planning, preventive mitigation and community-level preparedness, Mohan said. The states and J&K were asked to review their plans, identify gaps in warning and evacuation arrangements and address them in advance. Union Home Secretary also directed authorities to expedite GLOF mitigation projects sanctioned by the Centre in 2024. GLOF concerns are no longer confined to the eastern Himalayas. Various recent studies indicate that retreating glaciers and newly formed glacial lakes could increase vulnerability in the central and western Himalayas. The western Himalaya, including Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Ladakh, has recorded rising temperatures and declining snow cover, affecting glaciers and high-altitude water systems. Within J&K, Ladakh and the Chenab valley face greater GLOF concern than the Kashmir valley, particularly in the upper Chenab catchments of Kishtwar and adjoining areas. Retreating glaciers and moraine-dammed lakes in parts of Zanskar, Nubra and Shyok in Ladakh are among the areas of concern. GLOF vulnerability is lower in the Kashmir valley, but studies have found that it remains susceptible to the particular hazard. Experts caution that satellite imagery can track changes in lake size and surrounding terrain, but field investigations are needed to assess the stability of moraine dams and adjoining slopes. GLOFs are distinct from ice-rock avalanches, or glacial-rock collapses, which can occur without a glacial lake. The sudden failure of unstable ice and rock can send large volumes of debris into downstream valleys, making the hazard relevant across the Himalayas including J&K and Ladakh. The distinction is important in the Nepal-Tibet disaster, which was linked to a glacier-rock collapse and debris flow rather than a conventional GLOF. The event also generated a seismic signal equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake.
Drug cos refuse to take sole responsibility for overpricing
Indian drugmakers oppose a proposal making them solely liable for medicine overpricing. This regulatory move exempts retail chemists, hospitals, and nursing homes from penalties. Pharmaceutical groups argue this unfairly burdens manufacturers already following pricing rules. Retail chemists, however, welcome the safeguards for their members. Manufacturers believe accountability should extend to those setting the final patient price.
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Mount Rainiers fish-stocking legacy threatens native aquatic species
