GOC Northern Command visits Siachen, extends festive greetings to troops
Srinagar, Nov 7: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma visited troops deployed at the icy heights of the Siachen glacier on the eve of Diwali. The Army Commander interacted with the brave hearts in the worlds highest battlefield and conveyed festive greetings to troops. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC visited troops deployed at the icy heights of the #SiachenGlacier on the eve of Diwali. Interacting with the brave hearts in the worlds highest battlefield, he conveyed warm festive greetings and lauded their indomitable spirit. Amidst unforgiving terrain, the resolve of the #IndianArmy shines brighter than a thousand lights, Armys Northern Command said in a post on X. Courage in every step, fortitude in every heart: leadership stands with its troops, Army added.
AIIMS Jammu functional, Kashmir facility awaits OPD launch: Sakina
New Delhi, Nov 7: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday congratulated all citizens on the 151 years of the composition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and said it symbolises our national identity, self-respect and devotion to the motherland. I hope that our fellow citizens will embrace the spirit of nation first embodied in 'Vande Mataram' and contribute to nation-building, she said in a post on X in Hindi. The national song was written by Bengali novelist and poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on the occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7 in 1875. On the completion of 151 years since the composition of the national song 'Vande Mataram', I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all fellow citizens. During the freedom movement, this song served as a rallying cry of courage, unity and resolve for patriots, the president said. Even today, it symbolises our national identity, self-respect and devotion to the motherland, she added.
Video: Indian Creator Shows The Reality Of Making Parathas In America
Content creator Ritu Gupta often shares glimpses of her life in America, and her latest video featuring parathas has now gone viral.
Forget Gas Stoves, This Indian Restaurant Still Cooks Every Dish On A Chulha
Traditional Khana restaurant in Udaipur is an authentic vegetarian restaurant where meals are prepared on traditional wood-fired earthen stoves.
Pharma industry steps up API investments to cut import dependence, move up value chain
India's pharmaceutical sector is shifting towards high-value medicines and reducing reliance on imports through local manufacturing. Investments in active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced therapies are on the rise to meet new healthcare demands. Industry leaders highlight the significance of supply-chain resilience and advancements in manufacturing capabilities. Recent data indicates strong domestic market growth and increasing pharmaceutical exports.
New Delhi, Nov 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the Defence Forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with special focus on strengthening domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats. Interacting with the personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the eve of Diwali at Air Force Station, Bagdogra, West Bengal, on Singh emphasised that the security landscape has become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional engagements along the borders to encompass asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management. Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier, said Defence Minister. Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial link in India's security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Rajnath Singh commended the courage and dedication of the defence forces personnel towards safeguarding national interests. He stated that the Air Warriors deployed in the region serve as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector, and their preparedness is fundamental to maintaining stability in the region. Defence Minister underscored that discipline and courage remain indispensable, irrespective of technological advancements, stating that the conduct, bearing, language and restraint of the Defence Forces personnel shape the image of the military among local communities. Lauding the soldiers for discharging their duties with these qualities, he urged them to strengthen their engagement with the local population, particularly in and around Bagdogra, and nurture the deep bond of trust and affection between the people and the Defence Forces. The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversarys conspiracies will become, he said. Reaffirming the Government's resolve to achieve Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries in developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He appreciated the defence forces for embracing indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security. He underlined the importance of making the military increasingly technology-driven to effectively address future security challenges. Referring to the Cabinets approval of the 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers, Defence Minister stated that the decision would provide Agniveers with another opportunity to serve the nation. He added that upon completion of the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will get an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria. He termed the decision as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers, reiterating the Government's commitment to the welfare of the Defence Forces personnel and their families. Rajnath Singh extended his Diwali greetings and wished the Air Warriors and their families good health, happiness and prosperity. He said that the personnel, despite missing their families during the festival, remain steadfast in ensuring the security of their fellow citizens. He expressed gratitude to their families for their sacrifices and contributions. He emphasised that while the soldiers remain committed towards safeguarding the borders, the nation will always stand by their families and ensure their well-being. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit; Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma; and other senior officials of the IAF were present on the occasion.
Check If The Chandi Varq On Your Kaju Katli Is Real Or Fake With This Simple Test
Amid Diwali festivities, the Maharashtra Food Authority has shared a simple test to check the authenticity of silver foil on popular sweets.
Deeply concerning: MLA Waheed Para on age limit set by J&K Bank in fresh job notification
Srinagar, Nov 7: PDP leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Saturday expressed grave concern over the age limit set by Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited in its recent job notification, and demanded the increase in upper age limit, besides revocation of reservation norms in the job recruitment process. Calling the age limit of 20 to 30 years as completely unfair, the MLA Pulwama said why J&K Bank aspirants are being penalized when JKSSB (Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board) allows an age limit to 40 years. Taking to micro-blogging site X, Para said: Deeply concerning to see the latest JK Bank notification for PO & Banking Associate posts. Keeping the age limit at 20-30 years is completely unfair to thousands of overaged aspirants who have been waiting patiently for years. When JKSSB allows an age limit up to 40 years, why are JK Bank aspirants being penalized? Furthermore, applying reservation policies in a commercial institution like JK Bank undermines meritocracy for our local youth. Para said that demands are simple: Increase the upper age limit to 40 years. Revoke reservation in the recruitment. Give our educated youth a fair & equal chance!.
'Share Joy, Not Substandard Food': Tukaram Munde's Diwali Message For Customers, Sellers
Tukaram Mundhe stressed that celebrations should not come at the cost of public health, urging citizens to check the quality, dates and licensing details of food products before buying them.
Can Diet Protect You From Rising Air Pollution? Try These Expert-Backed Nutrition Tips
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Can One Night of Firecracker Smoke Trigger Asthma Symptoms for Several Days? Pulmonologist Explains
If you are asthmatic, this question must have crossed your: can just one night of exposure to firecracker smoke worsen? Lets hear the answer from a pulmonologist.
GK TV Exclusive: MLA Adv. Majeed Larmi speaks on outcome of meeting with NC leadership
AIIMS Jammu's 20-OT block to boost super-speciality care, reduce patient referrals: Union Minister
Jammu, Nov 07: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday inaugurated a dedicated block housing 20 state-of-the-art operation theatres at the AIIMS, Jammu, saying the facility would reduce the need for patients to seek advanced medical treatment outside the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, the minister of state in the Prime Minister's office described the development as another milestone in the medical institute's journey. He also expressed satisfaction over the institute's rapid progress in infrastructure, faculty strength and medical facilities. However, he acknowledged that faculty shortages in certain specialities were limiting resident seats in some departments and occasionally affecting expansion of courses. Singh noted that MD and DM programmes had already been introduced at the institution, adding that faculty-related issues were discussed separately with AIIMS Jammu Director Sanjeev Sinha and were also being taken up in Delhi. Singh said Jammu and Kashmir was perhaps the only Union Territory in the country having two AIIMS, one at Vijaypur in Jammu's Samba and another at Awantipora in Kashmir. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal intervention for the establishment of the second AIIMS in Jammu, saying he insisted that if one institution was sanctioned for Srinagar, another should also come up in Jammu. He said the availability of advanced surgical facilities at AIIMS Jammu would reduce the need for patients to travel to other states for specialised treatment and surgeries. Highlighting the progress made over the past eight to ten years, Singh said the institution had expanded its medical facilities and introduced diverse specialities at a pace not commonly witnessed in medical colleges. I believe this institution will develop into a state-of-the-art healthcare centre with integrated facilities, particularly as it also offers AYUSH services. It will serve not only as a referral hospital for the Jammu region but also for neighbouring states, including Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, he said.
Srinagar markets buzz with activity ahead of Diwali
Two arrested with 1.5 kg charas-like substance in J-K's Bandipora
Srinagar, Nov 07: Two persons were arrested and approximately 1.5 kg of charas-like substance was seized from their possession in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district, police said on Saturday. Acting on its drive against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking, police apprehended the two persons during naka checking at Garoora Crossing and recovered the contraband, a police spokesperson said. The accused have been identified as Rafaqat Ali Gojar, a resident of Halwadi, Aragam, and Zakir Hussain Qureshi, a resident of Chapran, Aragam, in the north Kashmir district. A case has been registered at Aragam police station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain further links and establish the source and intended destination of the recovered substance.
New Delhi, Nov 07: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rajesh Bindal has been appointed chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), filling the key position that had been held on an officiating basis since July 2026, according to a report by Livelaw. Justice Bindal, who served as a judge of the Supreme Court from February 13, 2023, to April 15, 2026, succeeds the interim arrangement under which Justice Yogesh Khanna had been discharging the duties of NCLAT chairperson following the completion of Justice Ashok Bhushan's tenure. Justice Bindal brings with him extensive judicial experience across several High Courts. He was elevated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2006 before being transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in 2018. During his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, he also served as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court in December 2020. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Calcutta High Court in January 2021 and assumed charge as its Acting Chief Justice in April 2021. He took the oath as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court on October 11, 2021, before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2023. After retiring from the Supreme Court, he was appointed as Emeritus Professor at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and joined Galgotias University School of Law as an Honorary Distinguished Jurist. His appointment marks the end of the interim arrangement at the appellate tribunal, which deals with appeals arising from orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
E20 petrol meets quality standards; 893 samples tested across 27 states, UTs found compliant
New Delhi, Nov 07: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has taken note of the press release issued by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, Government of Karnataka, claiming that petrol sold at certain retail outlets in the State contains between 26% and 31% ethanol. In this regard, the three public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have clarified that the claims, as reported, are not supported by testing conducted in accordance with the prescribed statutory and technical procedures. E20 petrol supplied by the three OMCs across the country, including Karnataka, conforms to IS 17021, the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol-blended motor gasoline. They have also raised concerns regarding the sampling procedure and testing methodology adopted for the October 2026 exercise. Concerns over Sampling and Testing Methodology The Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, read with the Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG) 2024, prescribes a defined procedure for sampling, retention, testing and communication of results. The prescribed procedure requires six one-litre samples to be drawn, with two samples handed over to the dealer against acknowledgement, two retained by the oil company or department, and two sent to a laboratory specified under Schedule III of the Control Order or notified in the Official Gazette. The sample labels are required to be jointly signed, and the test results communicated to the dealer and the oil company within the prescribed timeframe. While samples drawn during the September 2026 exercise were routed through the State Level Coordinator to designated OMC laboratories and tested for the quality parameters requested under the MDG 2024, the subsequent exercise in October reportedly involved samples drawn without the participation of OMC representatives. The OMCs have also not received the corresponding retention samples, complete outlet-wise details or laboratory reports, despite seeking these through the State Level Coordinator. The OMCs have further stated that the reported findings rely on certificates issued by a third-party laboratory rather than testing conducted at a laboratory specified under the Control Order. The certificates do not provide the complete technical details necessary to independently verify the reported ethanol content. The absence of counterpart samples and the prescribed documentation has also denied the OMCs and concerned dealers an opportunity to seek verification or retesting. Testing Methodology Must Conform to IS 17021 A preliminary technical assessment by the OMCs has also highlighted concerns regarding the ethanol testing methodology cited in the certificates. Under IS 17021:2018 (Amendment No. 3, August 2025), ethanol content in E20 fuel is required to be determined through prescribed methods, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) under ASTM D5845, water extraction under Annex C, or Gas Chromatography under ASTM D4815/D6839. Importantly, when Gas Chromatography is used under ASTM D4815/D6839, the sample must first be diluted in a 1:1 ratio with oxygenate-free petrol, and the result corrected against an E10 certified reference material. However, the certificates cited in the Karnataka press release merely mention Ethanol % by Gas Chromatography, without specifying the applicable standard test method, the prescribed dilution procedure or the reference material used for correction. In the absence of these essential details, the reported ethanol figures of 2631% cannot be independently validated against the methodology prescribed under IS 17021. The reported density readings also warrant examination. The certificates indicate densities ranging from 0.742 to 0.749 g/cc for samples claimed to contain 2631% ethanol. This is lower than the 0.7520.760 g/cc recorded for E20 samples tested by the OMCs under the QCC-1 and QCC-2 surveys. Given that ethanol has a higher density than petrol, a higher ethanol proportion would ordinarily be expected to increase the density of the blend. This discrepancy further underscores the need for testing through the prescribed methodology and verification against appropriate reference samples. OMC and CHT Quality Monitoring Confirms Compliance The Centre for High Technology (CHT), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has been continuously monitoring ethanol blending and fuel quality across OMC retail outlets. As part of the OMC/CHT Quality Coordination Cell (QCC) exercise, 893 E20 samples drawn from IOCL (330), BPCL (280) and HPCL (283) depots and retail outlets across 27 States and Union Territories have been tested for ethanol content as per IS 17021, Annex C, at refinery and OMC quality-control laboratories. All 893 samples were found within the prescribed ethanol content range of 1921%. Significantly, all 56 samples tested in Karnataka, comprising samples from different locations and all three OMCs, also conformed to the prescribed specifications, recording ethanol content between 19% and 20%, with an average of 19.30%. These results demonstrate that ethanol blending at OMC retail outlets is monitored and controlled within the prescribed specifications. The findings are inconsistent with the substantially higher ethanol levels reported in the Karnataka press release and reinforce the need for a transparent, technically sound and jointly verifiable testing exercise. Ethanol Blending is a Controlled and Automated Process Ethanol blending at OMC refineries and depots is undertaken through established, calibrated and controlled systems. The process involves automatic calibration and proportioning arrangements at the refinery and depot levels, with blending governed by prescribed specifications and quality-control protocols. It is not a manual or arbitrary process of adding ethanol to petrol. The OMCs maintain established quality-assurance systems across their supply and distribution networks to ensure that the blended fuel meets the applicable BIS specifications before it reaches consumers. Consumer Impact Claims Require Scientific Assessment The claims of an estimated annual consumer mileage loss of approximately 62,000 crore and vehicle-repair costs of approximately 39,000 crore, aggregating to around 1.01 lakh crore, also require careful examination against established technical evidence. More than 30 crore two-wheelers and 4 crore four-wheelers have been running on E20 fuel for over three years. Every day, over 6 crore people visit petrol pumps to refuel their vehicles. If there were a widespread issue with E20 fuel quality, it would be expected to manifest in vehicle breakdowns across this large vehicle base. No such widespread incidence has been reported. This extensive, real-world usage is an important consideration in assessing claims relating to fuel quality and vehicle performance. The performance and mileage implications of E20 have been examined by the Inter-Ministerial Committee and through studies involving Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). As outlined by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in its response titled Response to Concerns on Blending of Ethanol in Petrol and Beyond, published by the Press Information Bureau on August 12, 2025, vehicles calibrated for E20 can experience a mileage reduction of approximately 12%, while certain other vehicles may experience reductions of approximately 36%, depending on vehicle category and calibration. Accordingly, applying a blanket assumption of 10% mileage loss across the entire vehicle population and extrapolating it into a national consumer-loss figure of 62,000 crore does not constitute a scientifically established assessment. Similarly, the 39,000 crore vehicle-repair estimate needs to be substantiated through a transparent assessment of actual vehicle-performance data, materials compatibility studies and documented repair costs. Concerns relating to materials compatibility and vehicle performance have already been examined through studies involving technical agencies and the automobile industry. Any assessment of the programme's impact must therefore take into account vehicle category, manufacturing specifications, fuel compatibility and the findings of these technical studies, rather than relying on blanket assumptions. Ethanol Blending Programme Delivers Wider Economic and Environmental Benefits India's ethanol-blending journey spans more than two decades, beginning with the pilot programme in 2001 and progressing through successive policy interventions, including the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018, and the NITI Aayog Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025, prepared in consultation with stakeholders. The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is an important component of India's efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, strengthen domestic agricultural value chains and advance energy security. Ethanol blending programme, since ESY 2014-15, has resulted in: Foreign-exchange savings of more than 1.97 lakh crore. Substitution of approximately 316 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil. Reduction of approximately 952 lakh metric tonnes of CO emissions. Transfer of more than 1.66 lakh crore to farmers. These measurable outcomes underline the wider economic, environmental and agricultural benefits of the programme, which cannot be assessed solely through a selective comparison of OMC profitability and alleged consumer costs. During ESY 2025-26 ending 31st October 2026, PSU OMCs procured 1,089 crore litres of ethanol and blended 1,134 crore litres against petrol sales of approximately 5,673 crore litres, in pursuit of the national 20% blending target. The programme operates within a defined national framework, with blending levels and quality parameters monitored across the supply chain. Isolated and unverified allegations of substantially higher or lower blending at individual locations do not provide a meaningful assessment of the programme's overall performance. The suggestion that OMCs have a commercial incentive to undertake blending beyond the prescribed target is also misplaced. Ethanol procurement involves a significant cost, and every additional litre blended beyond the prescribed proportion would add to the OMCs' procurement costs. The OMCs have no commercial rationale to undertake arbitrary or excess blending. OMCs Seek Transparency and Independent Verification In view of the concerns raised, the three OMCs have requested the Government of Karnataka to share the complete sampling documentation, outlet-wise laboratory reports and details of the test methodology adopted for the reported findings. They have also sought access to the counterpart samples for independent testing at an authorised laboratory using the prescribed referee method, in the presence of representatives of the State Government and OMCs. The OMCs remain committed to cooperating with the State Government and other competent authorities in conducting joint sampling and testing in accordance with the Control Order and the MDG 2024. Any deviation established through the prescribed procedure will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable guidelines. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reiterates its commitment to ensuring the quality of petroleum products supplied to consumers, regulatory compliance and consumer protection, supported by established quality-assurance and monitoring mechanisms across the nationwide supply and distribution networks of OMCs.
Firecracker Smoke and Eye Irritation: Why Burning, Red and Watery Eyes are Common After Diwali
Diwali and firecrackers go hand in hand. The celebrations feel incomplete without sparkles and crackers, a lot of people complain of eye issues post-diwali. Lets hear from doctors how to balance fun and festivities without compromising eye health.
Indian Air Force achieves world's highest-altitude IL-76MD landing at Nyoma
Farooq Abdullah, Sunil Sharma, Ravinder Raina visit Ahsan Pardesis residence to offer condolences
14-year study finds livestock grazing linked to fewer spiders in the Himalayas
J&K notifies private universities rules, CM says move to boost higher education
Jammu, Nov 07: The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the Private Universities Rules, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of reputed national and international institutions of higher learning in the Union Territory, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah describing the move as a significant step towards strengthening the higher education sector and expanding opportunities for the youth. The rules provide for streamlined approval procedures, 25 percent reservation for J&K domiciles in admissions and employment, effective regulatory oversight and stringent penalties for violations, with a focus on transparency, accountability and academic standards, the Office of the Chief Minister said in a post on X. Congratulating Minister for Education Shamim Fidrous on the notification, Abdullah said the move marked a significant step towards facilitating the establishment of reputed national and international institutions of higher learning in the Union Territory. He said the new framework would facilitate institutional investment, expand educational and employment opportunities for local youth, and promote excellence in teaching, research and innovation. The chief minister said the initiative would encourage the establishment of institutions across disciplines, including STEM, medicine, law, business studies and liberal arts, while advancing the government's objective of making quality higher education accessible to students within J&K and developing the region as a competitive destination for higher learning and research.
Security heightened along NH-44 ahead of Diwali in Kulgam
Pakistan to send astronaut to Chinas space station aboard Shenzhou-24 mission
For Raha's 4th Birthday, Alia And Ranbir Chose Two Special Cake Designs. See Pics
Alia, the proud mama, gave fans a glimpse of the celebrations on Instagram.The little one's fourth birthday had a playful 'Bluey' cartoon theme.
District Administration Ramban issues notice for Hajj-2027 second installment payment
Ramban, Nov 07: The District Administration Ramban has issued a directive for wide publicity of the schedule for depositing the second installment of Hajj-2027 (1448 AH) by selected pilgrims from the district. As per the official communication issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, selected pilgrims are required to deposit the second installment of 1,25,000 per pilgrim on or before November 30, 2026. In this regard, the Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Ramban, has directed all Tehsildars to inform selected Hajj pilgrims within their respective jurisdictions about the payment deadline and ensure timely dissemination of the information. The District Information Officer (DIO), Ramban, has also been asked to publicise the payment schedule and prescribed procedure through print, electronic and social media platforms. The directive has been issued in pursuance of a circular from the Haj Committee of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Selected pilgrims have been advised to deposit the prescribed amount within the stipulated deadline to avoid any inconvenience.
Compulsory retirement order is neither punitive nor stigmatic in character: SC
The Supreme Court upheld the Chhattisgarh government's order of compulsory retirement for several employees. It noted such orders are not punitive or indicative of misconduct against the employees. The court emphasised the importance of objective evaluations when determining an employee's suitability for continued service. It clarified that the decision should not be based on mere conjecture or whim.
Jammu-based employees in Kashmir get special leave today, Monday
Srinagar, Nov 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday sanctioned two days of Special Casual Leave for PM Package, migrant and Jammu-based employees posted in various departments across the Kashmir Division to celebrate Diwali in Jammu. According to an order issued by the Governments General Administration Department (GAD), the special leave has been sanctioned for November 7 (today) and November 9 (Monday). Sanction is hereby accorded to the grant of two days Special Casual Leave on 7th November, 2026 (Saturday) and 9th November, 2026 (Monday) in favour of PM Package/Migrant/Jammu based employees, posted in different departments in the Kashmir Division, for celebrating Diwali at Jammu, the order reads.(KNO)
Looking For A Diwali Party Drink? This 5-Minute Spicy Coke Recipe Will Be A Hit
Upgrade your Diet Coke with this special masala-and-jalapeo recipe, curated for Diwali parties.
Youth found dead in Jammus Miran Sahib
Jammu, Nov 07: A 23-year-old youth was found dead inside his rented room in the Miran Sahib area of Jammu district on Saturday morning, officials said. An official said that the youth was found dead inside his rented accommodation in Miran Sahib, Jammu. He was immediately shifted to Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Chander (23), a native of Bihar who was residing in Jammu. Meanwhile, cognizance of the incident has been taken up.(KNO)
Delhi air 'very poor' with AQI reading of 364
The AQI at 9 am on Saturday stood at 364 (very poor), as compared to the 24-hour average AQI of 382 at 4pm on Friday, according to data from the CPCB
Kashmir shivers as Shopian freezes at minus 0.9C
Srinagar, Nov 07: Shopian recorded the coldest night of the ongoing season in Kashmir at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, while temperatures across the Valley continued to hover around the freezing point, with Leh in Ladakh recording the lowest minimum temperature at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius. According to temperature data, Pulwama recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, followed by Pahalgam at 0.0 degrees Celsius and Kukernag at 0.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.0 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund also settled at 2.0 degrees Celsius. Kupwara recorded 1.5 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 1.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar Airport recorded 0.8 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg settled at 0.6 degrees Celsius. Budgam and Konibal Pampore recorded 1.1 degrees Celsius each. Baramulla recorded 3.7 degrees Celsius, while Kulgam settled at 3.3 degrees Celsius. In Jammu division, Jammu Airport recorded a minimum temperature of 15.3 degrees Celsius, followed by Kathua at 15.2 degrees Celsius. Jammu city and Katra both recorded 14.0 degrees Celsius. Bhadarwah recorded 4.8 degrees Celsius, Banihal 6.7 degrees Celsius, Rajouri 7.2 degrees Celsius and Kishtwar 8.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Ladakh continued to experience sub-zero temperatures, with Leh recording minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, the lowest across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Kargil recorded minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, while Nubra Valley settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius.(KNO)
Ramen, Sushi, Dim Sum, Repeat: Khan Market Has A Cute Little Spot For You
Love exploring Asian food? NODO in Delhi could become your new go-to spot for comforting, flavour-packed dishes.
PM Modi conveys Diwali greetings to citizens
New Delhi, Nov 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed Diwali greetings to people and said the festival celebrates the eternal victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope over despair. Modi hoped that this festive season inspires everyone to spread kindness, embrace positivity and work towards a brighter future. Dear fellow citizen, warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Diwali! This festival celebrates the eternal victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope over despair, he said in a message posted on the government of India's 'Jan Sampark Portal'. The prime minister said Diwali is also an occasion to cherish India's rich traditions and strengthen the bonds of togetherness. May Diwali illuminate every home with happiness, harmony and prosperity. May this festive season inspire us to spread kindness, embrace positivity and work towards a brighter future, he said. Modi urged everyone to move forward with renewed energy and determination to build a prosperous and 'Viksit Bharat'. Once again, wishing you a Happy Diwali, he said.
Iran reviewing proposals on Tehran's nuclear programme: Officials
Washington, Nov 07: Iran is reviewing proposals presented by chief mediator Qatar aimed at addressing differences with the United States about Tehran's nuclear programme, government officials from both West Asian countries said Friday. The development is raising hopes that the two sides could be inching toward indirect talks on one of the thorniest issues that US President Donald Trump says must be resolved as part of any deal meant to end the more than eight-month-old war. But one of the officials stressed that Iran, at least at the moment, is unwilling to engage in negotiations with the Trump administration over its atomic activities until the US agrees to several core conditions that Iran has been demanding be part of any ceasefire agreement. Both officials were not authorised to comment publicly on the delicate negotiations and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Iran and Qatari officials' stepped-up engagement -- and Tehran showing a glint of openness to the possibility of negotiating on its nuclear programme -- comes just days after Trump's Republican Party was dealt a stunning repudiation in Tuesday's midterm elections in the US. Signs of hope for talks emerge after Iran war contributed to Republican losses The electoral setback was stoked in part by voter dissatisfaction with Trump's execution of the conflict and elevated fuel prices, a byproduct of the war that's affected nearly every sector of the global economy. The White House declined to comment about the Qatar-presented proposals, but Trump noted Friday in an exchange with reporters that mediators' discussions with Iran continue. We are talking to Iran. We have been, said Trump, who insists the US military remains in control of the conflict with a battered Iran. Yet, Tehran insists on several concessions from the US, which Trump has declined in the past. Among the core demands Iran says must be met before engaging in nuclear talks: ending the US blockade on Iran's ports, lifting sanctions, unfreezing its assets, issuing compensation for war damage, and ending hostilities throughout the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Qatar and Iran discuss bridge deal to get to nuclear talks Mediators and Iran have discussed a potential bridge deal aimed at helping pave the way for further talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, according to regional officials. They said the proposal, which was recently presented to the two sides by Qatar mediators, called for implementing trust-building measures over the course of two days. These measures include lifting the US blockade and releasing some of the billions of dollars in Iranian frozen funds seized over the years as part of a US campaign to isolate Iran over its nuclear programme. In return, Tehran would allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors at its sites bombed by the US and Israel, the officials said. On the second day, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in line with a modified agreement that Iran and Oman have reached on the waterway but has not been approved by the US, the officials said. That mechanism would be temporary until a permanent deal is reached on the strait in cooperation with other Gulf countries, they said. Following the implementation of the measures, the US and Iran would embark on extensive talks addressing Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium as well as other aspects of its programme, the officials said. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has 440.9 kg of uranium that is enriched up to 60 per cent purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. Diplomatic efforts pick up following US election A flurry of diplomatic phone calls in recent days between leaders in the Persian Gulf and beyond has been aimed at easing tensions in the region. Concerns have mounted over the possibility that Trump could still order the US military to carry out new strikes against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke on Friday with his Qatar counterpart, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, about developments, according to the Qatar government. Qatar announced the call between the countries' defense officials after confirming earlier Friday that Trump and Qatar's emir had a separate call to discuss efforts to deescalate tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held phone calls with his Iraq and Tunisian counterparts on Friday to discuss tensions in the region. Araghchi discussed with Iraq Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Tehran's vision for resuming negotiations with the US, according to Iraq's News Agency. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who held two calls with Araghchi this week, said in a post on X on Friday that it was critical that both sides demonstrate flexibility to achieve the compromise solutions necessary to prevent the region from sliding into a new wave of escalation. Egypt's top diplomat also held a phone call with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to emphasise the importance of political negotiations to prevent another military confrontation that could fuel violence and destruction, according to a statement by Egypt's Foreign Ministry.
Moon dust reveals rare asteroid rock linked to water on the lunar surface
US military carries out fresh targeted strike on Iran as Tehran weighs mediator's proposals
Washington, Nov 07: President Donald Trump said the US military on Friday carried out fresh limited strikes on Iran, targeting its air defense systems. Iranian state media reported the sound of two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, which is in the crucial waterway for oil shipments. Trump in an exchange with reporters described the military action as minor. They knocked out -- they built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five, Trump told reporters shortly after arriving in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday evening. The US military also reported carrying out what it described as defensive strikes on Monday. Explosions were heard on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and in the nearby mainland area of Bandar Abbas. Friday's strikes are the first since Trump's Republican Party was dealt a stunning repudiation in Tuesday's midterm elections in the US. The electoral setback was stoked in part by voter dissatisfaction with Trump's execution of the conflict and elevated fuel prices, a byproduct of the war that's affected nearly every sector of the global economy. In the days since Republicans' shellacking at the polls, Trump has vacillated between threatening to destroy Iran and suggesting that a resolution to the war is near. Qatar presents new proposals to Iran officials Earlier Friday, officials from the two West Asian governments said Iran is reviewing proposals presented by chief mediator Qatar aimed at addressing differences with the US about Tehran's nuclear programme. But one of the officials stressed that Iran, at least at the moment, remains unwilling to engage in negotiations with the Trump administration over its atomic activities until the US agrees to several core conditions that Iran has been demanding be part of any ceasefire agreement. Difference over Iran's nuclear programme is the thorniest issue and one that Trump insists must be resolved as part of any deal meant to end the more than eight-month-old war. Both officials were not authorised to comment publicly on the delicate negotiations and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The US Central Command, which oversees US military operations in West Asia, announced in a post on X late Friday that the United States was offering a reward of up to USD 20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran's nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, such as those in the scientific community, or the movement of any of the above. The post included a link to the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme. Iran insists on several concessions before nuclear talks The White House declined to comment about the Qatar-presented proposals on Iran's nuclear programme, but Trump noted earlier Friday in an exchange with reporters that mediators' discussions with Iran continue. We are talking to Iran. We have been, said Trump, who insists the US military remains in control of the conflict with a battered Iran. Yet, Tehran insists on several concessions from the U.S., which Trump has declined in the past. Among the core demands Iran says must be met before engaging in nuclear talks: ending the U.S. blockade on Iran's ports, lifting sanctions, unfreezing its assets, issuing compensation for war damage, and ending hostilities throughout the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Qatar and Iran discuss bridge deal to get to nuclear talks Mediators and Iran have discussed a potential bridge deal aimed at helping pave the way for further talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, according to regional officials. They said the proposal, which was recently presented to the two sides by Qatar mediators, called for implementing trust-building measures over the course of two days. These measures include lifting the US blockade and releasing some of the billions of dollars in Iranian frozen funds seized over the years as part of a US campaign to isolate Iran over its nuclear programme. In return, Tehran would allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors at its sites bombed by the US and Israel, the officials said. On the second day, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in line with a modified agreement that Iran and Oman have reached on the waterway but has not been approved by the US, the officials said. That mechanism would be temporary until a permanent deal is reached on the strait in cooperation with other Gulf countries, they said. Following the implementation of the measures, the US and Iran would embark on extensive talks addressing Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium as well as other aspects of its programme, the officials said. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has 440.9 kg of uranium that is enriched up to 60 per cent purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. Diplomatic efforts pick up following US election A flurry of diplomatic phone calls in recent days between leaders in the Persian Gulf and beyond has been aimed at easing tensions in the region. Concerns have mounted over the possibility that Trump could still order the US military to carry out new strikes against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke on Friday with his Qatar counterpart, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, about developments, according to the Qatar government. Qatar announced the call between the countries' defense officials after confirming earlier Friday that Trump and Qatar's emir had a separate call to discuss efforts to deescalate tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held phone calls with his Iraq and Tunisian counterparts on Friday to discuss tensions in the region. Araghchi discussed with Iraq Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Tehran's vision for resuming negotiations with the US, according to Iraq's News Agency. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who held two calls with Araghchi this week, said in a post on X on Friday that it was critical that both sides demonstrate flexibility to achieve the compromise solutions necessary to prevent the region from sliding into a new wave of escalation. Egypt's top diplomat also held a phone call with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to emphasise the importance of political negotiations to prevent another military confrontation that could fuel violence and destruction, according to a statement by Egypt's Foreign Ministry.
5-day specialised training course at SKPA Udhampur concludes
Udhampur, Nov 6:The five-day specialised training course on Advance technology in Forensic Science, organised by Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA), Udhampur, concluded on Friday with a valedictory function held at the interaction hall, admin block of the Academy. The course was aimed to familiarise the participants with the latest technological advancements and emerging trends in forensic science, along with their practical applications in criminal investigations. It provided police personnel an opportunity to gain valuable insights into modern forensic techniques, scientific examination of evidence and the effective utilisation of advanced technologies in crime detection and investigation. Director SKPA Udhampur IGP Dr Mohd Haseeb Mughal, while addressing the participants at the valedictory function, highlighted the growing significance of forensic science and technological advancements in modern policing and criminal investigations. He emphasised that scientific investigation and the effective utilisation of advanced forensic technologies had become indispensable components of professional policing. He stressed the need for investigating officers to remain abreast of the latest developments in forensic science to ensure the proper collection, preservation, examination and effective utilisation of scientific evidence in criminal cases. The Director further observed that the integration of modern technology with conventional investigative practices would significantly enhance the quality, credibility and effectiveness of criminal investigations. He encouraged the participants to make optimum use of the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the training programme and apply them effectively in their respective professional assignments. The training programme was specifically designed to enhance the professional competence of participating personnel and strengthen their capabilities to undertake scientific, systematic and evidence-based investigations. Through such specialised training initiatives, SKPA Udhampur continues to reaffirm its commitment to capacity building, professional excellence and continuous upgradation of investigative skills among police personnel, enabling them to effectively address emerging challenges in the field of law enforcement, a spokesperson said.
Rajouri circular road restored for one way traffic
Rajouri, Nov 6: A vital circular road passing through Rajouri town, has been partially restored - after remaining closed for several months, ahead of the Diwali festival, providing much-needed relief to commuters. The road was damaged during recent floods, with a portion washed away thus disrupting traffic movement along the important stretch. The Public Works Department had taken up restoration work following the damage. Keeping in view the Diwali festival and the expected increase in movement of people, the road has now been partially restored to facilitate traffic. Traffic Police has informed that the road has been reopened from one side, allowing only Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) to ply between Bela bridge and Tariq bridge. The restoration is expected to ease traffic movement in the town, while further restoration work is likely to continue.
AIIMS Jammu doctors perform RFA for trigeminal neuralgia in high-risk patient
Jammu, Nov 6: Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu, successfully performed Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Trigeminal Neuralgia in a high-risk patient with multiple comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and heart block. The 72-year-old male patient from Samba district had been suffering from severe facial pain for almost 10 years and had consulted multiple doctors. Over time, the pain had become refractory to medications and was severely affecting his quality of life, as he was unable to eat or sleep properly. He presented to the Pain Clinic at AIIMS Jammu and was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. Trigeminal Neuralgia causes severe, electric shock-like pain in the face that occurs multiple times a day, often triggered by simple activities such as eating or talking. The pain is so intense that the condition is also known as the suicide disease. In view of his heart block, a pacemaker was first inserted by the Department of Cardiology. Performing RFA in a patient with a pacemaker requires specialised care, as the radiofrequency current can interfere with the device. The mode of the pacemaker was therefore changed accordingly, and the patient was kept under advanced haemodynamic monitoring throughout the procedure. The advanced interventional procedure was performed under X-ray guidance by Dr Kanika Gupta, Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain. Anaesthesia and advanced haemodynamic monitoring were managed by Dr Jagriti and Dr Disha, along with anaesthesia technical team. Following the procedure, the patient is now completely pain-free and off all pain medications and is able to eat and sleep normally, the doctors said. The successful outcome was made possible through close inter-departmental collaboration between the Departments of Cardiology and Anaesthesiology. Prof (Dr) Sunana Gupta, Professor and Head, Department of Anaesthesiology, said, This case shows that even high-risk patients with multiple diseases can safely benefit from interventional pain procedures when performed with the right precautions and teamwork. Our department is committed to expanding these services so that more patients can live pain-free. Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, lauded the medical teams for their coordinated efforts and highlighted the institutes commitment to providing advanced, safe and patient-centred care. He emphasised that multidisciplinary teamwork and specialised expertise could play a vital role in managing complex cases and improving the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic pain.
Sat Sharma releases special edition of BJP magazine Kamal Sandesh on SIR
Jammu, Nov 6:Jammu and Kashmir BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma released a special edition of the party's magazine Kamal Sandesh, exclusively dedicated to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, at a function held at the party headquarters in Jammu on Friday. The special edition was released in the presence of BJP general secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan, Publication Department incharge Rajnish Jain and Department for Development of Literature incharge Varinderjeet Singh and BJP ST Morcha president Choudhary Abdul Gani. The special edition contains informative articles, poems, columns and other writings highlighting the importance, objectives, benefits and significance of SIR in strengthening the democratic system. Senior BJP leaders have contributed their writings and efforts towards preparing this edition to create greater awareness among the people. Speaking on the occasion, Sat Sharma said that bringing out a special edition of Kamal Sandesh on SIR was indeed a commendable initiative aimed at educating the people about the importance of maintaining accurate, transparent and updated electoral rolls. He said that every eligible citizen had the right to vote and it was equally important to ensure that electoral rolls were free from errors, duplicate entries and names of deceased or otherwise ineligible persons, following the prescribed procedure. Sat Sharma said that SIR was an important exercise which could strengthen public confidence in the electoral system and help ensure free and fair elections. He stressed that genuine voters should not face difficulties and that public awareness is essential for the successful implementation of such an exercise. Appreciating the efforts of the Publication Department, Department for Development of Literature and all contributors, Sat Sharma said that literature and publications played an important role in spreading awareness and presenting important issues in simple and understandable language. Sat Sharma expressed hope that this special edition would prove to be of great educational and informative value for party workers, voters and the general public. He said that it would help readers understand the purpose of SIR, clear misconceptions and encourage responsible participation in the democratic process. He also called upon party workers to take the magazine's message to the grassroots level and encourage people to remain informed about their electoral rights and responsibilities.
Security heightened in Rajouri, Poonch during festive season
Rajouri, Nov 6: Security has been strengthened across Rajouri and Poonch districts ahead of Diwali, with security forces stepping up vigil in crowded areas and market places amid increased public movement during the festive season. Markets in the twin districts are witnessing a rush of shoppers, with people visiting different market areas to purchase goods ahead of the festival. To maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the public, additional security personnel have been deployed in busy markets and other crowded locations. Security forces are also maintaining heightened surveillance in vulnerable areas. Explosive detection teams and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service to conduct checks in crowded places as part of the security arrangements. Meanwhile, police personnel are making public announcements across the twin districts, urging people to immediately report any suspicious object, activity or person to the Police Control Room (PCR).
Police intensify foot patrolling, surveillance in Ramban
Ramban, Nov 6:In view of the upcoming Diwali festival, Police have intensified security and preventive measures across Ramban district to ensure peaceful celebrations and maintain law and order. As part of the enhanced security arrangements, Police, in coordination with the Special Operations Group (SOG) Ramban, have launched a series of coordinated security and checking operations at various locations across the district. The measures include extensive foot patrolling in market areas, public places and other sensitive locations, besides sanitisation of dhoks and vulnerable areas to strengthen the security grid and prevent any untoward incident. Police teams are also conducting inspections of firecracker sale points to ensure compliance with prescribed safety norms and regulations. Meanwhile, the SOG Ramban has established Mobile Vehicle Check Posts (MVCPs) at strategic locations, while intensive vehicle checking is being carried out to maintain surveillance and strengthen security. Traffic violators are also being challaned as part of efforts to ensure road safety and discipline. Officials said these proactive measures were aimed at preventing anti-social activities, strengthening security arrangements and ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for the public during the festive season. Police appealed to the general public to celebrate Diwali responsibly, adhere to safety guidelines, cooperate with police and other security personnel, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
DIG-UR reviews security arrangements ahead of Diwali
Jammu, Nov 6:Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG-P), Udhampur-Reasi (U-R) range, Swarn Singh Kotwal on Friday chaired a security review meeting to assess the preparedness and security arrangements in Udhampur and Reasi districts ahead of the Diwali festival. The meeting was attended by SSP Udhampur, SSP Reasi, Chief Medical Officers of both districts, Additional SP Udhampur, Additional SP Katra, Additional SP Reasi, DCIO Intelligence Bureau (IB) Udhampur and other supervisory officers of the two districts. Some officers also participated in the meeting virtually. During the meeting, the DIG reviewed the prevailing security scenario and preparedness for the festive period. He directed officers to remain extra vigilant and ensure peaceful and incident-free Diwali celebrations. Emphasis was laid on strengthening the security grid, intensifying naka checking, maintaining heightened surveillance and ensuring adequate deployment of police personnel at vulnerable and sensitive locations. The DIG also stressed the need for effective traffic regulation and management, particularly around crowded markets, religious places and other public gathering points, to ensure smooth movement of commuters and devotees. Special attention was given to regulating the sale and storage of firecrackers, with directions to ensure strict adherence to prescribed safety norms in coordination with the concerned departments. The role of the Health department and emergency response services in ensuring timely assistance during any eventuality was also discussed. Stressing the importance of coordination among police units, intelligence agencies and civil administration, the DIG directed officers to maintain a high level of alertness and adopt a proactive approach throughout the festive period. He further instructed officers to remain accessible to the public, promptly address security-related concerns and put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure that Diwali is celebrated in a peaceful, safe and secure atmosphere across Udhampur and Reasi districts.
Formulate comprehensive traffic management plans for Diwali celebrations across J&K: IGP traffic
Jammu, Nov 6:Inspector General of Police (IGP), Traffic J&K, M Suleman Choudhary has directed officers to formulate comprehensive traffic management plans for Diwali celebrations in both Jammu and Srinagar cities as well as other major towns, keeping in view of the expected increase in vehicular and pedestrian movement due to festive shopping and public gatherings. He was reviewing traffic arrangements for the Diwali celebrations, winter preparedness in Kashmir and along the National Highway, while chairing a meeting with senior Traffic Police officers on November 5. He also focussed on identifying traffic congestion points and accident-prone locations, assessing enforcement measures besides reviewing road accident hotspots and black spots. The meeting also deliberated upon the measures aimed at preventing road accidents, easing traffic congestion and strengthening traffic regulation and enforcement across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended in-person by Mohammad Rashid Bhat Staff Officer to IGP Traffic, Amit Bhasin SSP Traffic City Jammu, Master Popsy SSP Traffic Rural Jammu, Dr Sunniya Wani DySP Traffic City South Jammu, Ashwani Kumar, DySP Traffic City North Jammu, Tilak Raj Bhardwaj, DySP Traffic City Rural Jammu, Gowhar Yasin Qadri, DySP Traffic Hqrs J&K and Farooq Ahmad, ADO, Traffic Hqrs J&K. The out stationed officers Haseeb-Ur-Rehman, DIG Traffic Range Kashmir, Bisma Qazi, SSP traffic City Srinagar, K M Priyanka SSP Traffic NHW Ramban and Liaqat Ali SSP traffic Rural Kashmir attended the meeting through video conferencing. With regard to comprehensive traffic management plans for Diwali celebrations, IG Traffic stressed that special attention should be given to market areas, shopping complexes, religious places, major intersections and locations where temporary stalls, particularly those selling sweets and firecrackers, were likely to be established. Officers were directed to ensure visible deployment of traffic personnel, regulate roadside parking, prevent unauthorised encroachments and ensure smooth movement of emergency vehicles. M Suleman Choudhary also directed the Kashmir based Traffic Police officers and SSP Traffic NHW to remain fully prepared for the forthcoming winter season and formulate a comprehensive winter traffic management plan, particularly for Qazigund, the National Highway, Mughal Road and Sonamarg. Officers were instructed to identify vulnerable stretches, landslide-prone areas, snow accumulation points and other critical locations in advance. In the event of any prediction of heavy rainfall or snowfall, adequate manpower and machinery, including snow cutters and other snow-clearance equipment, should be kept in a state of readiness in coordination with the concerned road maintaining agencies. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed towards vulnerable stretches without proper assessment of road conditions and necessary clearance from the competent authorities, he issued instructions. Emphasising road safety, IGP Traffic directed all officers to adopt a proactive approach towards prevention of road accidents and intensify enforcement against traffic violations that pose a serious threat to human life. He reiterated that public convenience, road safety and smooth regulation of traffic must remain the foremost priorities of all Traffic Police formations. He called upon officers to ensure effective implementation of the directions issued during the meeting. IGP Suleman Choudhary emphasised that coordinated efforts, professional commitment and timely intervention were essential for ensuring safe, smooth and hassle-free movement of traffic throughout Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the forthcoming festive season and challenging winter months.
Govt appoints 20 general observers for Accounts Assistant Exam
Srinagar, Nov 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has appointed 20 JKAS officers as General Observers to oversee the conduct of the OMR-based written examination for the posts of Accounts Assistant in the Finance Department, scheduled to be held on November 15. According to Government Order No. 1747-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on November 6, the officers will supervise the examination in their respective districts. The officers appointed as General Observers include Manzoor Ahmad Bhat for Ganderbal, Altaf Ahmad Khan for Kulgam, Amarjeet Singh for Poonch, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat for Pulwama, Dr Nasir Ahmad Lone for Shopian, Sher Singh for Jammu and MalikzadaSherazulHaq for Rajouri. Other officers appointed include Ghulam Rasool for Kupwara, Surinder Mohan for Kathua, Champa Devi for Samba, Jugal Kishore Anand for Udhampur, Krishan Lal for Reasi and Nazir Ahmad Mir for Bandipora. The remaining appointments include Rishi Kumar Sharma for Kishtwar, Abdul Rashid Dass for Anantnag, Mohd Ashraf for Doda, Zahid Rashid Khan for Budgam, Mohammad Ashraf for Baramulla, Abdul Qyume for Ramban and Abid Iqbal Malik for Srinagar. The order has been issued by M. Raju, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, and circulated to Deputy Commissioners, concerned departments and the J&K Services Selection Board.
SC refuses to lift non-veg food ban near Somnath Temple, asks Gujarat HC to decide within 2 months
New Delhi, Nov 6:The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift the ban on the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food in the vicinity of Gujarats Somnath Temple, but asked the Gujarat High Court to decide the matter expeditiously, preferably within two months, reports Bar & Bench. A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale declined to interfere with an interim order of the Gujarat High Court restoring the ban. Hearing a plea filed by restaurant owners, the Bench said a balance had to be maintained in the matter. We need to maintain a balance. We dont say anything, the Bench observed, according to Bar & Bench. The restaurant owners argued that the ban would severely affect their businesses and that dietary choices were a matter of personal freedom. In a lighter remark, the Bench said, Celebrate the festival of lights (Diwali) by having sweets. Leave veg or non-veg aside. The case relates to an August 10 notification issued by the District Magistrate prohibiting the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food at shops, restaurants, hotels and roadside stalls in specified areas, including within 500 metres of Somnath Temple. The Gujarat High Courts single-judge Bench had initially set aside the notification on October 30. However, a Division Bench stayed that order later the same day and restored the restrictions. Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the restaurant owners, argued that the ban was affecting businesses that had been operating in the area for nearly 40 years. He also maintained that food habits were a matter of personal choice. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, opposed the plea and informed the Supreme Court that the High Court would hear the matter on November 25. The Supreme Court disposed of the plea, requesting the High Court to decide the appeal expeditiously within two months.
New Delhi, Nov 6:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Uttarakhand Police would complete the process of securing convictions within three years in cases registered after May 2027, expressing confidence that people in the state would be freed from endless court dates under the new criminal laws. Addressing a ceremony to present the Presidents Colour to Uttarakhand Police, Amit Shah said the state had made significant progress in implementing the new criminal laws by integrating police stations, forensic science laboratories, courts, prosecution and prisons through digital platforms. He said Uttarakhand Police had secured the top national position on the CCTNS/ICJS 2.0 dashboard with a score of 93.46. Amit Shah said the force had become the 16th police organisation in the country to receive the prestigious Presidents Colour, recognising its service, sacrifice, discipline and professionalism over the past 25 years. He also paid tribute to 206 police personnel who had laid down their lives in the line of duty and praised the force for its role in disaster response, including the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation.
GMC Jammu gets 12 additional PG medical seats, total rises to 254: Sakina Itoo
Jammu, Nov 6:Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has received 12 additional postgraduate (PG) medical seats, taking the total number of seats from 242 to 254, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced on Friday. In a post on X, the minister said the increase would strengthen postgraduate medical education at the institution and expand opportunities for medical graduates. As per the announcement, MD Pathology seats have increased from 18 to 23, while MD Paediatrics seats have risen from 18 to 20. Similarly, MD Pharmacology seats have increased from 10 to 12 and MD Microbiology from seven to eight. In another significant development, MD Respiratory Medicine has been introduced at GMC Jammu for the first time, with two seats. Itoo said that over the past two years, 70 MBBS and 56 postgraduate seats have been added across Jammu and Kashmir. DM/MCh seats are also expected to be introduced shortly. The minister described the expansion as another milestone under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah towards strengthening medical education in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmiri apple prices surge ahead of Diwali
Shopian, Nov 6: Apple prices in wholesale fruit markets across south Kashmir have witnessed a significant surge ahead of Diwali, with premium-quality produce fetching higher rates amid increased demand from markets outside the Union Territory. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, President of Fruit MandiShopian, said premium-quality apples are currently selling between Rs 1,300 and Rs 1,500 per box, while medium-quality, five-layer apples are fetching between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200 per box. There has been a rise in prices ahead of Diwali, particularly for premium-quality apples. The rates for medium-quality produce are also holding up well, Wani said. He, however, maintained that prices had remained relatively stable throughout the season, ensuring reasonable returns for growers. Although prices have witnessed a surge in the run-up to Diwali, the overall market remained good this season. Growers have received satisfactory rates for their produce, he said. Mohammad Saleem Mir, an apple grower from Aliyalpora village in Shopian, said increased demand ahead of Diwali had contributed to an improvement in prices, particularly for better-quality produce. Prices have surged in the run-up to Diwali, but overall, the market remained good throughout the season, Mir said. He said the market had offered growers a relatively favourable environment, although returns continued to depend largely on the quality and grading of apples. Those who have managed to produce good-quality apples are getting better prices. The difference in rates between premium and medium-quality apples remains significant, he said. The apple trade continues to be one of the major economic activities in South Kashmir, with thousands of trucks transporting the seasonal harvest to wholesale markets across the country. Around 2,000 fruit-laden trucks leave Kashmir every day, carrying apples to different markets outside the Valley. The daily movement reflects the scale of the seasonal trade and the importance of transportation networks in connecting local growers with buyers across the country. Shopian, one of Kashmirs major apple-producing districts, accounts for a substantial share of the Valleys apple trade. The industry supports thousands of orchardists, traders, commission agents, transporters and workers engaged in harvesting, grading, packaging and transportation. Growers said that while seasonal fluctuations in prices were common, the availability of buyers and demand for high-quality produce remained crucial in determining their returns. The improvement in prices ahead of Diwali has provided additional gains to growers, even as they maintain that the season as a whole has been relatively encouraging for the apple industry. The positive market sentiment has also had a spillover effect on other businesses, with traders reporting increased customer activity in local markets. The good prices fetched by apples have also lifted the overall market sentiment, with buyers thronging markets to purchase other commodities, said Tariq Ahmad Mir, who runs Bright Kitchen Ware store in Batapora, Shopian.
Inter-University Canoeing, Kayaking:Cluster University Srinagar clinches 2 gold medals
Srinagar, Nov 6:Cluster University of Srinagar has brought laurels to the institution by clinching two gold medals, one in the 200-metre singles and another in the 200-metre doubles category, at the Inter-University Canoeing and Kayaking Championship held at Mohali, which saw participation from 35 universities. Mohsin Ali, a student of Amar Singh College College, and Fida Hussain, a student of IASE, M.A Road Srinagar, delivered outstanding performances to secure gold medals in their respective events, showcasing exceptional sporting talent, determination and competitive excellence, a statement said. Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Srinagar, Prof.(Dr) Muhammad Mobin, congratulated the medal winners and appreciated their remarkable achievement, describing it as a moment of immense pride for the university. He emphasised that sports constitute an integral component of holistic education and reaffirmed the universitys commitment to nurturing sporting talent and providing students with opportunities to excel at national platforms.
GMC Baramulla introduces advanced procedure for patients suffering from severe facial pain
Baramulla, Nov 6:Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla has introduced an advanced interventional pain-management procedure, Gasserian ganglion ablation, offering a new treatment option for patients suffering from severe facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. The procedure is aimed at patients who fail to respond adequately to conventional medication or experience significant side effects from prolonged drug treatment. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic nerve disorder characterised by sudden, intense, electric shock-like pain, usually affecting one side of the face. Even routine activities such as eating, speaking, brushing teeth or touching the face can trigger excruciating episodes, severely affecting patients quality of life. DrOvais, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anaesthesia at GMC Baramulla, said the introduction of the procedure would provide significant relief to patients suffering from the debilitating condition. He said many patients remained unaware of specialised treatment options and continued to rely on medication and other pain-management therapies that sometimes failed to provide lasting relief. DrOvaisemphasised the need to create awareness about trigeminal neuralgia and the availability of advanced interventions at GMC Baramulla. He said the facility would particularly benefit patients who otherwise had to travel outside north Kashmir to access specialised pain-management services. Recently, doctors at the medical college successfully performed the procedure on an approximately 80-year-old man who had been suffering from severe facial pain for nearly eight years. The pain, predominantly affecting his lower jaw, had become increasingly debilitating over the past year, making even routine activities difficult. The patient had initially been prescribed carbamazepine and other medications but discontinued treatment due to inadequate pain relief and adverse drug effects. Mistaking the condition for a dental problem, he also underwent multiple tooth extractions without experiencing any significant improvement. His condition eventually deteriorated to the extent that even a gentle touch or a breeze of air across his face triggered severe pain. He had to wear a mask throughout the day and night to avoid such triggers, DrOvais said. Following a detailed evaluation at the GMC Baramulla Pain Clinic, the patient was diagnosed with classical trigeminal neuralgia. Considering the prolonged symptoms and inadequate response to medical treatment, doctors decided to perform fluoroscopy-guided Gasserian ganglion ablation. The intervention was carried out as a day-care procedure. The patient was kept under observation for four hours following the intervention and subsequently discharged without any immediate complications. Gasserian ganglion ablation is an interventional pain-management technique that targets the nerve pathways responsible for transmitting facial pain. Using fluoroscopic imaging for guidance, specialists access the Gasserianganglion, a cluster of nerve cells associated with the trigeminal nerve, and apply a controlled intervention to disrupt abnormal pain signals. The procedure is considered for appropriately selected patients whose symptoms remain inadequately controlled despite medication or who experience significant adverse effects from prolonged drug treatment. Doctors said early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention were important to prevent prolonged suffering and improve the quality of life of patients. With the introduction of the procedure, GMC Baramulla aims to strengthen its specialised pain-management services and make advanced treatment options accessible to patients closer to their homes. Doctors have advised people experiencing recurrent episodes of severe, electric shock-like pain on one side of the face to seek medical evaluation instead of repeatedly attributing the symptoms to dental problems.
New Session, Old Textbooks: Fresh books elude Kashmir government schools
Srinagar, Nov 6: The new academic session has begun in schools across Kashmir, but thousands of students in government schools are yet to receive fresh textbooks, forcing the School Education Department (SED) to depend on used books from previous academic sessions to keep classroom activities running. The non-availability of newly published textbooks from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has once again raised questions over the departments preparedness and its failure to ensure timely distribution of learning material before the commencement of the academic session. An official told Greater Kashmir that with schools having resumed academic activities, students were being provided textbooks used by their seniors during the previous academic session and even earlier years. However, he said many of these books were in poor condition, with several already worn out and unfit for further use. Like previous years, the department has once again failed to ensure that textbooks are received by schools before the start of the new academic session. This situation has left schools with little option but to circulate old books among students, he said. He added that schools had been relying on used textbooks for several years, with the continued practice raising concerns about the education departments preparedness, particularly when students are expected to begin their studies without delays. The shortage has also placed additional pressure on teachers and school heads, who have to arrange whatever usable books are available to ensure that students are not left without learning material. The situation also places additional pressure on teachers and school heads who have to arrange whatever usable books are available to ensure that students are not left without learning material, a schoolteacher told Greater Kashmir . The delay in textbook distribution comes at a time when the government has been emphasising improvements in the functioning of government schools and efforts to strengthen the quality of education. The commencement of the new academic session has also brought the spotlight back on infrastructural deficiencies in government schools, particularly at the primary and middle-school levels, where inadequate classrooms, heating facilities and basic amenities continue to pose challenges. In several schools, particularly in rural areas, students of multiple classes continue to share a single classroom due to space constraints. The problem becomes more acute during winter due to the absence of proper heating arrangements, the teacher said. Teachers said inadequate infrastructure often forces authorities to announce early winter vacations for younger classes. The academic session has changed, but the challenges faced by schools remain the same. Infrastructure is not up to the mark, and students have not yet received their textbooks, another teacher from North Kashmir said. He said the government needed to treat school education as a priority sector and address the concerns of both students and teachers. Only then can we expect good results from government schools, he said. As reported earlier, JKBOSE has decided to commence the free distribution of textbooks for students from Kindergarten to Class 8 from November 15, 2026. Meanwhile, Minister for Education Shamim Firdous on Thursday said the governments vision was to develop an education system that provided equal opportunities to every child, irrespective of geographical location, social background or economic circumstances. The government remains committed to strengthening the education sector, improving the quality of teaching and learning, upgrading infrastructure and creating an environment where every student could realise his or her potential, she said.
Ensure timely completion of all pending works at sports facilities: Secretary J&K Sports Council
Jammu, Nov 6:J&K Sports Council Secretary Tazayun Mukhtar Friday inspected sports facilities at M.A. Stadium and the Indoor Sports Complex in Jammu, interacting with athletes and parents and directing officials to expedite pending infrastructure works. During her visit to M.A. Stadium, the Secretary, as per a statement issued, inspected the Swimming Pool, Skating Rink, Judo Hall and Table Tennis Hall. She also visited the Indoor Sports Complex, where she inspected the Gymnastics Centre, Fencing Hall and Wushu Hall. During the inspection, the Secretary interacted with athletes undergoing training at various centres and witnessed demonstrations of their sporting skills. She appreciated the dedication, discipline and performance of the athletes and lauded the efforts of the coaches for their commitment towards nurturing sporting talent and promoting excellence in different sports disciplines. The Secretary listened to suggestions and grievances of parents regarding the facilities and training arrangements. She assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority to ensure a conducive and athlete-friendly sporting environment. Emphasising the need for maintaining and upgrading sports infrastructure, the Secretary directed the Construction Division, Jammu, to ensure timely completion of all pending works at the sports facilities and instructed the concerned officials to expedite the ongoing works without compromising on quality. She further stressed the importance of providing quality training facilities, proper maintenance of sports infrastructure and a supportive environment for athletes to excel at national and international levels. The visit was aimed at reviewing the ground-level functioning of sports facilities, strengthening athlete-centric initiatives and ensuring that the infrastructure being developed by the J&K Sports Council is utilised effectively for the promotion of sports and nurturing of young talent across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kashmir Care Foundation (KCF) and the Gauri Kaul Foundation (GKF) recently convened a conversation that involved physicians and public health experts for an interactive session titled The Quadruple Problem of Our Times: Fatty Liver Disease, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Acute & Chronic Kidney Disease. The title sounds clinical. But the problem it describes isnt distant or abstractits at our dinner tables, in our salted noon chai (in Kashmir), in oily foods, in the large portions we eat, in sedentary lifestyles (especially in winter), and increasingly, in our children. These four conditions are usually discussed as separate diseases, treated by separate specialists, in separate hospital wards, and at different times in our lives. But they share the same roots, feed off one another, and, encouragingly, respond to many of the same fixes. Understanding them together, as one interconnected picture, is the first step to actually doing something about them. The session led to the launch of a KCF and GKF Wellness Hour Series (Sehat Nama), where we organise sessions grounded in clinical science and public health and guided by experts. A Regional Crisis, not a Hypothetical One The numbers from Jammu and Kashmir over the past two years should worry every household. Surging Diabetes Rates: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) found that 13% of women and 11.3% of men in J&K now have high blood sugar or take medication for it up sharply from 8.7% and 8% in NFHS-5. Urban areas fare even worse, reaching 17% among urban women and 14.6% among urban men. Nearly 40% of all diabetes cases in the region remain completely undiagnosed. The Jammu Spike: The landmark ICMR-INDIAB national study revealed an overall diabetes prevalence in Jammu of 18.9% (climbing to an alarming 26.5% in urban pockets), with an additional 10.8% living with prediabetes. Escalating Hypertension: Regional studies place blood pressure prevalence among men in J&K around 25% and women near 12%, surging to over 41% in some tribal communities. Districts like Rajouri and Anantnag recorded some of the highest blood pressure rates in the country. Silent Liver Damage: While solid local data remains limited, Kashmiri hepatologists report rising rates of Fatty Liver Disease, with ultrasound studies identifying the condition even in schoolchildren. Local clinical estimates run as high as 30% of adults. The Quiet Fourth Partner: Kidney disease rarely announces itself with dramatic symptoms until function is significantly lost. This makes unmanaged diabetes and hypertension particularly dangerous in a region where both are widespread. Why Jammu & Kashmir Is Uniquely Vulnerable These numbers are rising faster here than in many other parts of the country due to specific cultural, lifestyle, and regional factors: Dietary Shifts: Traditional Kashmiri, Dogra, and other North Indian dietsonce built around seasonal vegetables, dried greens, walnuts, and modest portions of meathave shifted toward rich, red-meat-heavy Wazwan preparations (in Kashmir), often consumed daily with plenty of rice and bread. Vegetable, salad and fruit consumption is rather low High Salt Consumption: Salted, buttered noon chai is a major, often overlooked source of daily sodium intake directly linked to the regions high hypertension burden. Winter Inactivity: Long, harsh winters discourage outdoor physical activity for months at a time. Substance Use & Painkillers: Smoking and recreational drug use add strain on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Meanwhile, unsupervised overuse of over-the-counter NSAID painkillers for cold-weather joint pain quietly damages kidney function over years. Genetic Susceptibility: Well-documented genetic predispositions in Kashmiri, Dogra, Gujjar, and Bakerwal populations mean even modest weight gain can lead to metabolic disease faster. One Chain, Four Links The panel stressed that these four conditions are interconnected rather than isolated: Fatty liver disease is now recognized as the hepatic face of the same insulin resistance and obesity that drive diabetes. High blood pressure damages both the hearts arteries and the kidneys filtering units. A patient who develops one of these four conditions faces a significantly elevated risk of developing the other three. Conversely, controlling one condition well helps protect against the rest. Eight Actionable Steps Families Can Take Now 1. Make Exercise a routine: Exercise for 30-45 minutes a day, and challenge yourself to lose 5% of your weight in the next 3 months and 10% in 6 months. Make it a routine. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered the healthy or normal range for most adults. This is the target to reach. 2. Get Screened Without Symptoms: Fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profiles, routine kidney/liver function tests, and albumin excretion testing are the only ways to catch silent conditions early. 3. Rethink Salt Intake: Cut back on added salt in tea, cooking, and traditional winter preparations (salted, smoked, or pickled foods). 4. Keep Moving in Winter: Adopt indoor walking, stretching, and simple home exercise routines during the snowy months. 5. Reserve Wazwan for Special Occasions: Return to treating heavy feasts as occasional events, prioritizing vegetables, pulses, whole grains, and fish for daily meals. 6. Use Painkillers Cautiously: Avoid frequent, unsupervised use of OTC painkillers for joint and muscle pain to protect kidney health. 7. Address Substance Use Early: Deploy school- and community-level education to combat smoking, alcohol, and drug use before metabolic damage occurs. 8. No to smoking and alcohol: This is non-negotiable and should become a prime driver for safe health and living. A Call for Integrated Public Health Action A single evening session cannot reverse health trends built over decades. However, initiatives by the Kashmir Care Foundation and Gauri Kaul Foundation help bring these four interconnected diseases into public focus. Government hospitals and primary health centres across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions can launch integrated screening camps. Checking blood sugar, blood pressure, liver markers, and kidney function in a single visit will prove vital for high-risk rural and tribal communities. Masjids, Gurdwaras, Temples, and Churches should share public health messages through a physician member of the congregation, so people are regularly made aware of prevention and advocacy messages they can use to improve their health. The data is unambiguous. The response must match it in our clinics, in our schools, in our places of worship, and in our workplaces and homes. Authors: Upendra Kaul, New Delhi, India Abdul Hamid Zargar, Srinagar, India Showkat Ali Zargar, Srinagar, India Subhash Wangnoo, New Delhi, India Vijay Kher, New Delhi, India Altaf Lal, Atlanta, USA
DC Pulwama vsits CSIR-IIIM Bonera field station
Pulwama, Nov 6:Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Friday visited the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Field Station at Bonera to review its research initiatives, technological interventions and efforts towards agricultural diversification and improving farmers livelihoods. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner called for developing the Bonera Field Station into a Centre of Excellence and exploring the potential of positioning Pulwama as an emerging Science City. Dr Shahid Rasool, Principal Scientist and Scientist In-charge of the Field Station, briefed the DC about ongoing research projects, technological innovations and achievements of the institution. He said the stations research activities were aligned with the regions agricultural requirements, particularly challenges arising from depleting natural resources, climate change, extreme weather events and post-harvest losses. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed research initiatives involving medicinal and aromatic plants, saffron, floriculture, apiculture, essential oil extraction and advanced processing technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and value addition. He was informed about the institutions efforts to promote scientific beekeeping, improved pollination practices and diversified honey production, including lavender, apple and other monofloral honey varieties, to create additional income opportunities for farmers. The DC also reviewed the stations work in tulip cultivation and indigenous bulb production. Officials informed him that tulip bulb production had increased from approximately 25,000 to nearly 1.5 lakh bulbs, with further expansion underway.
Kashmir sees smart cement revolution as AI takes control of kiln
Srinagar, Nov 6:Kashmirs cement industry is entering a new phase of digital manufacturing, introducing Artificial Intelligence and predictive automation into a production process traditionally dependent on manual monitoring and operator experience. At the centre of this development is the pyro process, the most energy-intensive stage of cement manufacturing, where raw materials are exposed to extremely high temperatures to produce clinker, the intermediate material used in cement production. TCI MAX Cements Srinagar facility has become the first cement manufacturing plant in Jammu and Kashmir to deploy advanced process control (APC) technology. The system is designed to monitor operating conditions, anticipate process fluctuations and automatically adjust key production parameters. The installation of ABB Ability Expert Optimiser brings model predictive control (MPC) and artificial intelligence into the plants operations, enabling continuous analysis of production conditions and adjustments based on predicted changes. Cement manufacturing requires substantial quantities of fuel and electricity, while maintaining precise operating conditions to ensure consistent product quality. Even minor process fluctuations can affect energy consumption, material utilisation and overall efficiency. The newly installed system seeks to address these challenges by maintaining stable operating conditions, improving clinker consistency and optimising the use of fuel, electricity and raw materials. Better control over kiln temperatures, fuel inputs and material flows can also help reduce avoidable resource consumption and emissions. A spokesman of ABB said the Srinagar installation resulted in improvements in productivity, quality and sustainability-related operational metrics following the integration of its technology and supporting information technology infrastructure. Waseem Ahmed Trumboo, Director of Trumboo Industries Pvt Ltd, said the company introduced the system to improve process stability and operational efficiency while maintaining consistent clinker quality. He said the initial performance during commissioning was encouraging, adding that the company expected further benefits as the technology was integrated into its operations. ABB India executives said the deployment reflected growing interest among cement producers in digital solutions that could improve production consistency while addressing sustainability requirements. The project draws on ABBs experience in deploying advanced process control systems across cement manufacturing facilities internationally. Its automation business employs approximately 26,000 people and provides industrial technologies for sectors ranging from energy and water to materials production, manufacturing and maritime operations.
akara, Ibn Arab and Heidegger on Being
With Martin Heidegger, we enter the philosophical landscape of the twentieth century and encounter a different kind of return to first principles. In Being and Time (1927), Heidegger argued that Western philosophy had neglected the fundamental question of the meaning of Being, becoming preoccupied with particular beings while leaving insufficiently examined what it means for anything to be at all. This forgetfulness of Being, as he understood it, could not be overcome merely by identifying a supreme entity or proposing another theory of ultimate substance. Heidegger therefore began his investigation with Dasein, his term for the distinctive being that we ourselves are, whose existence is characterised by an understanding of Being and by the fact that its own Being matters to it. Dasein is not simply the human organism considered as an object; it is human existence as Being-in-the-world, already involved in relationships, practical concerns, possibilities, and the understanding of itself. Central to this inquiry is temporality. Human existence is shaped by the possibilities towards which it projects itself, the past and inherited circumstances into which it has been thrown, and the present world in which it acts and encounters others. Temporality, for Heidegger, is not merely the succession of clock-measured moments but a fundamental structure through which the meaning of Being becomes accessible to philosophical inquiry. His project thus differs significantly from a search for an eternal substance behind changing appearances. Before deciding whether the ultimate ground of existence is Brahman, the Real, or some other absolute principle, Heidegger asks us to reconsider the very meaning of Being itself. This question will prove indispensable to our trialogue: while akara investigates non-duality and Ibn Arab explores divine self-disclosure, Heidegger challenges the assumptions through which the history of metaphysics has framed the relationship between Being, beings, and human existence. The relationship between Being and particular beings acquires distinct philosophical and spiritual meanings in the thought of akara, Ibn Arab and Martin Heidegger. For akara, the ultimate reality is Brahman, the non-dual ground of existence, while the phenomenal world, with its seemingly independent multiplicity, does not possess an ultimate reality of its own. In this sense, Being appears concealed beneath the distinctions through which ordinary consciousness apprehends the world. Yet this concealment must not be understood as the separation of Brahman from the phenomenal universe, for Brahman is also the innermost reality of the self, and liberation consists in realising the non-duality of tman and Brahman. akaras vision thus retains a profound spiritual dimension, in which the apparent plurality of existence is ultimately understood in relation to an absolute reality that exceeds ordinary conceptual distinctions. Heidegger, by contrast, returns to the question of Being without identifying it with God, Brahman or any supreme metaphysical substance. Being is not another being concealed behind the world; it is that elusive dimension of intelligibility in relation to which particular beings can appear and be understood as beings. Although Heideggers inquiry remains grounded in human existence and our being-in-the-world, it cannot be reduced to a straightforward materialism or to the claim that Being is merely an empirical phenomenon. Nevertheless, unlike akara, Heidegger does not resolve the question by identifying Being with a spiritual absolute. Their striking point of convergence lies in their refusal to equate the deepest question of existence with the inventory of things that appear before us; their decisive difference lies in what, if anything, can ultimately be said about the reality towards which this question directs us. Ibn Arab offers a third and distinctive possibility by understanding the relationship between the One and the many through the idea of tajall, or divine self-disclosure. For him, particular beings are not merely a veil that must be discarded in the search for ultimate reality; they are also signs and sites through which the divine names and attributes become manifest. The world, in its bewildering diversity, can therefore remind the contemplative mind of the Real, al-aqq, upon whom all contingent existence depends. Yet no particular being, nor even the totality of created existence, can encompass or exhaust the divine essence. Here the principles of tanzh, Gods absolute incomparability, and tashbh, the divine nearness disclosed through names and attributes, sustain a delicate balance between transcendence and manifestation. Ibn Arabs vision consequently differs both from akaras Advaitic account of non-duality and from Heideggers ontological inquiry. While akara directs us towards the realisation of Brahman as the non-dual ground of the self and the cosmos, Ibn Arab invites us to read the multiplicity of existence as a disclosure of the Real without confusing manifestation with the divine essence. Heidegger, meanwhile, leaves open a fundamentally different question: whether our understanding of Being has been distorted by the very tendency to seek a supreme ground behind everything that exists. The three thinkers thus offer not interchangeable answers but three different ways of approaching the mystery of existence: non-dual realisation, divine self-disclosure, and the persistent questioning of Being itself. Despite their profound differences, akara, Ibn Arab and Martin Heidegger converge upon a remarkable insight: the mystery of Being cannot be approached without turning our attention towards our own existence. The question of reality is, in each case, inseparable from the question of the self through which reality is experienced, understood or disclosed. In the Upaniadic tradition, this inward turn assumes a cosmic significance. The ancient ritual imagination often establishes correspondences between the universe, the sacrificial ritual and the human being, presenting them not as isolated domains but as interrelated dimensions of a larger order. The movement from the outer cosmos to the inner self ultimately acquires its most radical philosophical expression in the inquiry into tman and Brahman. For akara, the self, when understood beyond the limiting identifications of body, mind and individuality, is realised as non-different from Brahman, the ultimate reality. A related inward orientation emerges in the Quranic exhortation to reflect upon the signs of God within the human self and across the horizons of existence. Within the Sufi tradition, this invitation becomes a profound discipline of self-knowledge, purification and spiritual unveiling, finding an elaborate metaphysical expression in Ibn Arabs understanding of the human being as a locus in which the divine names may be reflected. Heidegger, too, makes the being that we ourselves are the point of departure for his inquiry into Being. Through the concept of Dasein, he argues that the question of Being must begin with the being for whom Being is already, in some measure, an issue. The inward turn, however, does not yield the same destination in all three traditions. What appears at first to be a shared path from self-understanding towards an understanding of Being gradually opens into three distinct philosophical landscapes.
J&K Bank inaugurates Premium Branch at Barzulla, e-inaugurates extension counter at PCR Srinagar
Srinagar, Nov 6:J&K Bank today inaugurated its Premium Branch at Barzulla in Srinagar, which will primarily serve high-net-worth individuals, with an emphasis on personalised service and deeper banking relationships. MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee inaugurated the Premium Branch and e-inaugurated an extension counter at the Police Control Room, Srinagar, in the presence of GM & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri, General Manager (BSD) Khursheed Muzaffar amid a gathering of Banks valuable HNI clients. Zonal Head (Srinagar), Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar, Cluster Heads Syed Tasaduq Madni, Zahoor Ahmad Qanoongo, Subuhi Yaseen and other senior officers of the Bank were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, The opening of our new Premium Branch marks a step in our commitment to delivering exceptional, relationship-driven banking to High Net Worth Individuals, who seek personalized attention, expertise, and hassle-free solutions tailored to meet their unique aspirations and financial requirements. Even as more customers bank digitally, our branches remain important places for personal guidance and support. By creating a space that prioritizes privacy, personalization, and long-term partnership, we reinforce our position as the trusted partner of choice for discerning clients who value both service and meaningful relationships, he added. Highlighting the Banks long-term expansion plans, MD & CEO announced a major scale-up of its retail presence. Going forward, we plan to strengthen our footprint further and open over 60 new branches in different operational geographies by the end of 2027, he said, emphasizing that the physical expansion will run parallel to the Banks ongoing digital transformation to better serve underserved markets. In his Diwali greetings to the public on the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee highlighted the festival as a time of new beginnings, wishing everyone a season filled with prosperity and well-being. The good news is that the Bank will issue its recruitment notification today, he said. Interacting with the staff led by Branch Head Saima Jan, the MD & CEO urged staff to serve every customer with courtesy, attentiveness and professionalism. He said the success of the Premium Branch would ultimately depend on how its staff conducted themselves in every customer interaction. The team assured him that they would work to make the premium branch a model of best customer service. Notably, the Premium Branch will focus on Forex business, NRI services, gold loans, and safe custody facilities, alongside relationship-led banking. Through this premium branch, the Bank will provide high-net-worth clients with a single point of contact to ensure their financial needs are met more effectively. The extension counter at the Police Control Room, Srinagar, will bring routine banking services closer to police personnel, making it easier for them to attend to everyday banking needs at their workplace.
Keran emerges as frontier tourism destination, gets new heritage centre
Srinagar, Nov 6:Once known primarily for its strategic location along the Line of Control (LoC) and proximity to the India-Pakistan border, Keran in north Kashmirs Kupwara district is gradually emerging as a tourist destination, with a new heritage centre inaugurated at Pharkian on Wednesday. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Kishanganga Valley, the Keran Heritage Centre aims to showcase the regions history, natural beauty and cultural identity while adding a new attraction to the growing tourism infrastructure in the frontier area. The development marks another step towards repositioning Keran, which for decades remained largely associated with border tensions and security-related restrictions, as a destination for visitors interested in exploring the lesser-known landscapes of north Kashmir. The newly established centre features a heritage gallery, a National Flag Site, commemorative installations and a valley-view caf, offering visitors an experience beyond the regions scenic surroundings. The National Flag Site is among the principal attractions of the complex. It features a large Tricolour, a fort-inspired gateway and commemorative walls bearing the inscriptions Sacrifice, Service, Unity and Higher Grounds, Stronger Bonds, A Greater India. An artillery gun display and landscaped pathways have also been developed within the premises, highlighting Kerans frontier identity and the contribution of soldiers serving in the area. A dedicated heritage gallery showcases the history, landscapes and identity of Keran Valley, providing visitors an opportunity to learn about the regions past and the resilience of communities living along the frontier. The complex also houses Keran Caf at Pharkian, designed with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and wooden interiors. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and pine forests. The caf is expected to serve Kashmiri Kahwa, coffee, other hot beverages and refreshments. Located along the Kishanganga River and close to the LoC, Keran has traditionally remained outside Kashmirs mainstream tourism circuit despite its striking natural landscape. Its geographical location and decades of security-related restrictions limited its accessibility and exposure to visitors. However, the gradual opening up of frontier areas and growing interest in offbeat destinations have brought Keran into the tourism spotlight. Its riverfront, mountain scenery, traditional settlements and proximity to other picturesque areas of Kupwara have contributed to its emerging appeal among domestic tourists. The development of tourism infrastructure, improvement in visitor facilities and promotional initiatives have further strengthened efforts to establish Keran as a destination in north Kashmir. The Heritage Centre at Pharkian is expected to add a distinct dimension to these efforts by combining tourism with the regions historical and cultural narrative. The initiative also seeks to highlight the lives and traditions of people residing in frontier villages, drawing attention to their role in preserving the regions identity and strengthening the connection between remote border communities and the rest of the country. With the opening of the centre, Keran is seeking to move beyond its conventional image as a sensitive frontier location and establish itself as a destination where natural beauty, heritage and tourism come together. For Kupwara, the growing tourism profile of Keran could create fresh opportunities for local economic activity, particularly in hospitality, transport and other tourism-related services. The new facility is expected to strengthen Kerans appeal among travellers exploring offbeat destinations in Kashmir while providing greater visibility to the cultural and natural wealth of the frontier district.
Bijbehara Traffic: It needs resolution
Dear DC Sahab, Pardon me for being impudent, but I must say this plainly. It has been over six years since I joined my job in Bijbehara town, and in all these years I have not once seen the towns traffic sorted out. Seasons have changed, Deputy Commissioners have come and gone, but the traffic mess has stayed where it was, eating up hours of everyones day. Bijbehara does not need another temporary fix. It needs a practical solution, and that solution needs the support of everyone who has a stake in this town: the administration, the traffic police, transporters, shopkeepers, street vendors, and the common people who have to pass through, whether they are going from Srinagar to Anantnag or Kulgam, or from Anantnag to Srinagar. At the same time, the solution should not punish the street vendor, the shopkeeper or anyone else who earns a living from the market. The market is what keeps this town alive. A plan that treats it as the problem will neither be fair nor will it last. I am not saying this to blame any officer who performs duty in the town. I am saying it because the jam has become so normal that nobody is surprised by it anymore. It has become a habit for everyone who travels through Bijbehara. Shopkeepers plan their day around it. Parents leave early for school. Drivers switch off their engines and wait. And quite often, somewhere in that line of vehicles, there is an ambulance with its siren on and no way to move ahead. When the new NH-44 was opened a few years back, many of us thought towns like Bijbehara, Awantipora and Pampore would finally get some relief, that there would be less honking and less of the chaos everyone notices. We were told the through traffic would shift to the new road. That did not happen. Vehicles heading to Srinagar from Anantnag and Kulgam still prefer the old highway, and most travellers still use it. They have to, because many people earn their living along that road. A large part of the Jammu-bound traffic also passes through the town, and the many villages around Bijbehara empty onto the same narrow stretch every morning and evening. The new highway went around the town, Sir, but the towns problem stayed. No survey is needed to find where the road chokes. Anyone living here will tell you: Goriwan market, the road to the Sub-District Hospital, and the stretch towards Khanabal, especially during the morning and evening rush. These spots are known to the shopkeeper, the commuter and the traffic constable on duty. Everyone knows them. It would be wrong to say the administration has done nothing. Over the years, Bijbehara has seen many orders. Parking has been banned on both sides of the main road. Heavy vehicles have been stopped during the day. Tourist and passenger vehicles have been told to stay out of the inner lanes. But people here have said again and again, in local newspapers and at shop counters, that these orders stay on paper and rarely show on the road. An order that is not followed up does not ease traffic; it only tells people that orders can be ignored. Still, I do not want the administration to pick up the stick and push orders through. What we need is a dependable solution that lasts and is fair to everyone. Sometimes, Sir, enforcement itself adds to the problem. Commuters have complained that vehicles are stopped for document checks in the busy market right in the middle of rush hour, which brings a slow road to a complete halt. Checking papers is necessary, but it has its time and place, and Goriwan market at nine in the morning is neither. A road divider from Semthan onwards would also help by keeping the two lanes apart. Vehicles often overtake into the opposite lane, the other side gets blocked, and that is where the mess begins. In the Assembly last year, the government said that the major roads in Anantnag district are wide enough for the present traffic, and that wrong parking is the main reason for the jams in Bijbehara. I am willing to accept that. But if the width of the road is not the problem and parking is, then the answer is simple: give people a proper place to park away from the road, and keep the road free for moving vehicles. Banning parking in a town that has almost no parking space does not make the cars disappear. They are only moved a few metres ahead, or they stay where they were, waiting for a challan that may or may not come. Challans are needed, but they are not a long-term solution. The cost of all this is not just lost time. It is the trader whose customers cannot stop at his shop. It is the student who reaches the examination hall late and tense. It is the patient who reaches hospital later than he should. Our district has already seen what a traffic jam can mean in an emergency, when a child on the AnantnagVerinag road lost his life because the vehicle taking him to hospital was stuck in traffic. May Bijbehara never see such a day, but that cannot be left to chance. What Bijbehara needs is neither big nor costly for a district administration. It needs a parking space away from the main road, so that the no-parking order has somewhere to send people; Anantnag town has already moved in this direction. It needs fixed stops for buses and passenger vehicles outside the market, so that passengers are not picked up and dropped in the middle of the road. It needs traffic personnel at the known choke points during peak hours whose only job is to keep vehicles moving. Where the road to the hospital is narrowed by goods and signboards, the answer is not a demolition drive that takes away a vendors daily earning. It is a marked vending area, fixed loading hours for shops, and an arrangement made with the traders themselves, so that the road stays clear because the people who use it have agreed to keep it clear. Most of all, someone needs to keep checking whether last months decisions were actually carried out. Earlier this year, you chaired a meeting on traffic in Anantnag town with officers, traders, transporters and street vendors in the same room. Bijbehara has been waiting for exactly that kind of attention. A standing committee for the town, where the SDM, traffic police, traders, vendors and transporters meet regularly and report what has changed on the ground, would do more than any new order. When the market helps make a plan, it also helps keep it. DC Sahab, the people of Bijbehara are not asking for another order. We have enough of those. We are asking for someone to see the existing ones through and to give the town the basic arrangements that make them work. Six years is a long time to wait in traffic. I hope that, with a little of your time, it will not take another six. With respect and hope, The author works with a bank on rural self-employment.
Bandipora Police arrest 2 more associates in separatist-linked module case
Bandipora, Nov 6:In continuation of the ongoing investigation into a prison-linked terror module of a banned organisation targeting women for separatist ideology and propaganda, busted earlier in the district, Police in Bandipora arrested two more associates in connection with Case FIR No. 168/2026, registered under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). With their arrest, the total number of arrests in the case has increased to eight. The arrested persons have been identified as Irshad Ahmed Bhat, son of Gh. Mohd Bhat, resident of Chakloo, Baramulla, and Showkat Ahmed Reshi, son of Gh. Mohd Reshi, resident of Watlab, Sopore. Both accused have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the case. Further investigation is underway to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other possible links and associates connected with the module. J&K Police reiterated its commitment to dismantling terror networks and taking firm legal action against all those found involved in activities prejudicial to the security and peace of the region.
In her Greater Kashmir opinion piece titled The Politics of Convenient Forgetting (published on November 5, 2026), Adv. Shriya Handoo argued that political actors must confront their past records rather than practicing convenient forgetting. Applying that very standard of strict accountability, however, requires turning the lens inward toward the current administration itself. The mandate that brought the National Conference to power was built on the deep aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who voted for stability, dignity, and a democratic voice after years of administrative vacuum. Yet politics often mistakes posturing for performance, reducing governance to a game of mere perception while real issues fester. Engaging in endless retrospective bickering with the PDP is a lost cause and a convenient distraction; the electorate already delivered its definitive verdict on the PDP, showing them their place at the ballot box. A frank appraisal of the present government reveals a stark chasm between its election manifesto promises and ground reality. Core pledges, such as massive job creation, free electricity, and targeted financial support, remain largely unfulfilled. This policy gap is compounded by pervasive stagnant economic growth and a severe unemployment crisis, with the jobless rate climbing steadily over the last three years and leaving hundreds of thousands of educated youth in deep uncertainty. This economic inertia is further exacerbated by massive fiscal bleeding. The recent High Court ruling striking down water usage charges has dealt a catastrophic blow to the exchequer, depriving the region of revenues from NHPC and independent power projects that run into thousands of crores. Compounding these structural hurdles are critical domestic issues that have remained completely untouched and unaddressed: the spiraling drug menace gripping the youth, crumbling rural healthcare, and deep anxieties over land administration. Instead of relying on political posturing or deflecting accountability onto past political experiments, the ruling party needs urgent internal introspection. At a time when the administration is fractured by internal friction, a brewing crisis of dissent among its own MLAs, and the resignation of its star MP and prominent campaigner Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over unfulfilled commitments, public energy is being severely misdirected. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered enough; they deserve credible governance, real economic revival, and tangible relief, not selective outrage over yesterdays politics. The author is an entrepreneur managing infrastructure and agricultural ventures in Kashmir. He is also a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN)
CUK organises panel discussion on NEP and Higher Education in India
Ganderbal, Nov 6:The Department of Education (DoE), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), organised a panel discussion on Higher Education in India Post-NEP-2020: Challenges and Opportunities at the Tulmulla campus here on Friday. During the programme, noted academicians and educationists deliberated upon the emerging trends, policy interventions, challenges and opportunities in the Indian higher education system in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020. In his welcome address, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Head, Department of Education, highlighted several issues confronting India's contemporary higher education system. He deliberated upon the role of the National Research Foundation, the growing significance of digital learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the implications of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), and the increasing concerns surrounding the mental and emotional well-being of students pursuing higher education. One panellist, Dr L. V. K. Reddy, Registrar, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, discussed the challenges facing government-run higher education institutions and their relationship with industry. He expressed concerns over the increasing commercialisation and privatisation of higher education institutions, highlighting the need to safeguard the public character, accessibility and quality of higher education in the country. Another panellist, Prof. D. Harichandan, an educationist from Mumbai University, discussed the positive implications of CUET in promoting a common admission framework. He highlighted the growing digitisation of higher education through initiatives such as the SWAYAM platform and underscored the facilitative role of AI-powered tools in enhancing teaching-learning processes, improving academic efficiency and strengthening the overall quality of higher education. Addressing another dimension of the theme, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Patel, an educationist from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, emphasised the importance of developing mental and emotional resilience among students in higher education institutions. He identified peer support, mentoring, professional counselling, career guidance, life skills education, digital awareness, inclusiveness and the promotion of self-employment as important strategies for addressing students' psychological and academic concerns and preparing them to meet emerging challenges. The panel discussion was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students and research scholars of the Department of Education engaged with the panellists. They raised questions and sought clarification on various issues concerning the implementation of NEP-2020, digital transformation, institutional reforms and student well-being. Prof. C. Naseema, Dean, School of Education, proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Gawhar Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, while Assistant Professor Mr Reyaz Ahmad Wani was the rapporteur.
J&K covers 200 Senior Citizens under IPOP in 2024-25, down from 650
New Delhi, Nov 6: A total of 200 beneficiaries were covered under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024-25, compared to 650 in 2023-24. This was revealed on earlier this year by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing multiple schemes for the welfare of senior citizens, including the Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP), Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) under the umbrella scheme Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY), and the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE). In addition, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is implemented under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) by the Ministry of Rural Development. Under IPOP, financial assistance is provided to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for running and maintaining old age homes and other facilities for indigent senior citizens aged 60 years and above. Under IGNOAPS, financial assistance of Rs 200 per month is provided to persons aged 6079 years and Rs 500 per month to persons aged 80 years and above, subject to eligibility under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) criteria. More than 2.21 crore beneficiaries are covered under the scheme. Under RVY, senior citizens belonging to the BPL category and suffering from age-related disabilities are provided assistive devices to improve their functional independence. The distribution of these devices is expanded based on requirements and the availability of resources. Under NPHCE, geriatric healthcare services are provided at district hospitals and Community Health Centres. During the last five years, the number of districts functional under the programme has increased from 595 in 2020-21 to 722 in 2024-25. Under IGNOAPS, States and Union Territories are encouraged to provide additional financial assistance from their own resources. Based on recommendations of various committees and evaluations, revisions in eligibility criteria and sharing patterns were proposed during the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle (202126).
President Donald Trumps reaction on the day results were declared in the recently held US midterm elections was surreal. As the night of November 3 in the US went on it became clear that the Republican Party had suffered a massive defeat which had led to it losing control of both the chambers of the Congress. Unlike in the aftermath of the 2020 Presidential election when he outrightly rejected the result, this time around he readily accepted it. Ignoring the fact that he had thrown his might in the last stages of the election campaign he implied that he could not be held responsible for the Republican losses. Going further, he asserted that the result would have been different if he was on the ballot. Ironically he did not realise that this was an admission of political failure because a leader has to have coat-tails which his party candidates can use to take them to electoral success. But all this was par for the course for Trump. What was surreal was his action on November 4. That day he took a tour of the Grand Ballroom that he is having constructed in the White House. The media accompanied him even though he claimed that was unintended. Trump extolled the Ballroom for its safety. He said it was designed to be bullet, missile and drone proof and that helicopters could land on its roof. He emphasised that it would be the safest structure in Washington DC and that US presidents had wanted a great Ballroom for 150 years but none had embarked on the project. Ever the real estate guy, the Ballroom has been his dream project. Former President Barack Obama slammed the Ballroom under construction and other changes in the White House during one of his campaign speeches. He said Guys building a ballroom thats bigger than the White House. Its paved over the Rose Garden. Put a helicopter pad on the South Lawn, and theres gold everywhere. Whats up with the gold? Everything More gold. Hes got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory. Just gold everywhere. On what should have been a day when Trump called in the leaders of the Republican Party to introspect on their great defeat and to chart a way forward he decided to wash his hands of what had occurred so completely that he decided to go to his pet building project. Not only that he revelled when Doug Burman, the US Secretary of the Interior who accompanied him on this tour hailed him as Builder-in-Chief. It cannot be argued that Trumps bizarre act was a good political distancing strategy to ensure that he avoided the shadows of his great Republican defeat to salvage the rest of his political term. There were other ways of doing soby stressing that he would pursue his domestic and foreign policy objectives and that he hoped that the incoming Congress would not impede him from doing so. That would have been the normal way for a President to act in this situation. But Trump has never been a normal leader. On this occasion he went over the political precipice and entered the world of surrealism. There is another way to look at Trumps obsession with the Grand Ballroom. He is a leader who wants to leave his legacy in stone. All through history there have been some leaders who have done so. Theirs has been the pursuit of leaving a mark that would endure far beyond their lifetime. In some cases such rulers have left behind architectural wonders as seen in Egypt when frenetic building activity took place during the Pharaonic period. It can be seen in Italy when magnificent secular and religious structures were put up during the medieval period. It can be seen in India too when Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal which is a priceless Indian treasure. Yes, these rulers and leaders, even if they were driven by their nature to leave their mark on history in stone, had supervised these wonderful structures which are considered part of the heritage of humanity. Certainly, much as he may want, the White House Ballroom will never fall in this category. In the current era when humankind is facing existential crises caused by climate change, what the leaders of the major powers should focus on is not vanity projects but on the collective pursuit of policies which would mitigate these crises. In Trumps case it has been just the opposite. He is a climate skeptic and has taken the US out of the global attempt to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. He emphasises that one of his great accomplishments has been to make the US now the worlds largest holder of oil crude because of his action against Venezuela. The building of a countrys physical infrastructure as part of the development can obviously not fall within the ambit of construction for personal glory. In Indias case successive Indian Prime Ministers have made their contributions in this regard. As the Indian economy has grown so has the desire that India should have world class infrastructure. Along with creating the physical infrastructure of a modern democratic state the leaders who served the Indian people in the immediate aftermath of independence also wanted to create the institutional structures for sustaining democracy and also putting India firmly on the ambitious path of reaching the frontiers of science and technology. There is much work to be done in the area of S&T especially as the world has entered the AI age.
306 medical officers finally sent to peripheral hospitals
Srinagar, Nov 6:Two months after their appointment, the Health and Medical Education Department today posted 306 Medical Officers (Allopathic) against their respective posts. The newly appointed doctors are expected to reprieve the peripheral hospitals of the acute shortage of doctors they are reeling with. According to Government Order No. 762-JK(HME) of 2026, issued today, the department had appointed 335 candidates as Medical Officers on September 2 vide Order No. 663-JK(HME). The appointments had been made following their Character and Antecedent Verification Reports from respective quarters. The appointment order required candidates to physically submit joining reports at the Administrative Department, Civil Secretariat J&K. However, the posting orders were not issued immediately. Of the 306 newly posted Medical Officers, the overwhelming majority, over 80% have been sent to PHCs and NTPHCs in remote, hilly and border areas. Lesser posting have been made in district hospitals or urban centres. Clusters are especially dense in North Kashmir. Baramulla and Kupwara alone account for a large share of the early entries. South Kashmirs peripheral blocks, and the Chenab Valley districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban have also received a significant number of doctors. A handful of slots, short-term deputations have been made to GMCs. While one doctor has been deputed to GMC Baramulla, two more have been sent to GMC Rajouri. After years of chronic shortages in the peripheries, the government has used the bulk of the 335 appointments, 306 of whom joined on time to plug gaps at the primary-care level. The lacunae have been most pressing in the most underserved and logistically difficult locations. These appointments signal a clear policy preference for better coverage of doctors in rural facilities. All other terms of the September 2 appointment order have remain unchanged, while the Drawing and Disbursing Officers have been directed to verify the genuineness and authenticity of all requisite documents. The recruitment follows a requisition in which the department referred 480 Medical Officer posts to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC). On June 2, the JKPSC had issued a select list of 412 allopathic Medical Officers. The department had directed the selectees to proceed to the verification phase. On September 2, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had distributed appointment orders to the newly appointed Medical Officers at SKICC. The government had said the new doctors would be deployed in areas facing shortages of medical officers. The department has faced non-joining by appointees earlier - in 2019, the administration cancelled the appointments of 437 Medical Officers for failing to join duties.
Maldivian President Pushes for Revival of SAARC
The President of the Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, made another call for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) during his visit to Pakistan on October 21, 2026. Bangladesh, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has also called for the revival of SAARC. The idea has received support from experts and public intellectuals concerned about the welfare of people living in the region. The Government of India responded to these remarks by stating that Pakistan was stymieing the grouping. The Promotion of BIMSTEC as an alternative to SAARC is an exercise in diplomatic shortsightedness. Equally shortsighted is the idea of reviving SAARC without India. Countries in the region have little to lose but much to gain if the SAARC platform is revived. The 19th SAARC Summit was scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad from November 15 to 19, 2016, but was indefinitely postponed amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. On the positive side, however, relations between India and Pakistan have not completely broken down on all fronts. Indias External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Pakistan on October 1516, 2024, to attend the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government and thanked Pakistan for its hospitality. India also participated in the planning session of the SCO Council of National Coordinators in Islamabad from September 28 to 30, 2026.The two countries completed their 35th consecutive exchange of lists of nuclear installations and facilities on January 1, 2026. The hotlines between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) remain active, and the ceasefire is also holding. Furthermore, the statement made by RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale on improving people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan was a welcome development. Many experts consider the RSS as Indias deeper state, influencing relations with Pakistan. Be that as it may, three immediate factors have a bearing on the revival of SAARC. Weighing Three Factors First, the dominant view in India is that containing terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the magic bullet for rescuing bilateral relations and bringing them back to normalcy. Diplomat Ajay Bisaria argues that Indias instincts were primarily economic, and Indias relationship with its neighbours was focused on providing security for the Indian economy to grow and preserving the economic gains already made. This is quite understandable and reasonable for any major economy but is not exclusive to India. This instinct is now fairly widespread across the countries of the region. There is a growing consensus that terrorism poses a threat to the social and economic stability of countries and that SAARC, as a regional forum, can be employed to combat it. According to the think tank PISCES, Pakistan alone witnessed 225 militant attacks in a single year up to September 2026. Therefore, the way forward lies in greater cooperation among states and a deeper process of introspection within societies. Second, the China factor is also influencing the prospects for the growth and revival of SAARC. China enjoys observer status in SAARC, while India has opposed its full membership of the organisation. Indias unilateral military actions have prompted Pakistan to seek even greater strategic proximity to China, particularly through the acquisition of Chinese military equipment and technology. The clashes between India and Pakistan in May laid bare the consequences of this policy. One consequence of such a scenario is that Indias strategic autonomy in the region is constrained, resulting in the ceding of strategic space to China. There are indications that Pakistan is signalling to both the United States and China that it no longer wishes to be a client state. In 2022, Pakistan released its first-ever National Security Policy, which emphasised that the country should resist joining geopolitical camps. The weakening of the pro-India lobby in Pakistan is also a matter of concern. Third, there are sections of opinion in Pakistan that believe India will always prefer to engage with a weak Pakistan rather than the Pakistan that exists today. Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit recently claimed at a seminar in Pakistan that the countrys international profile had risen and that India would therefore prefer disengagement. Some India watchers in Pakistan also point to unilateralism in Indias domestic and regional politics, along with its alleged disregard for international norms and agreements, as factors contributing to growing mistrust. In light of the above discussion, it is important to examine the perspectives of the scholarly community on the challenges confronting South Asia. Scholars Speak Friend and colleague, Happymon Jacob, who has considerable expertise in Indian foreign policy, argues in his essay, The End of South Asia: A Region in Name Only, published in Foreign Affairs on July 22, 2024, that the dream of South Asia as a cohesive region is over, with significant implications for subcontinental geopolitics that policymakers and analysts have yet to fully grasp. He writes that the reality of Indias centrality has meant that New Delhi does not always recognise the value of building regional structures, as such structures cannot add much to the predominance India already enjoys in the region. Although several Indian Prime Ministers have recognised the merits of SAARC, the Indian bureaucracy and strategic establishment have never been fully convinced of its value. They have long feared that the creation of regional structures could potentially constrain Indias dominance in its neighbourhood. Nepal-based scholar Kanak Mani Dixit, finds Jacobs thesis problematic for more than one reason. He believes that Jacobs pronouncement on the death of South Asia appears to serve the interests of nation-statism, which cannot adequately manage the vast geography and multiplicity of identities that characterise South Asia. Mr Dixit further argues that Jacobs views will please those who wish to exercise centralised authority, ranging from generals in Islamabad to autocratic politicians in Kabul and Colombo, as well as dominant lobbies in New Delhi. True South Asian regionalism has not evolved to a point where the nation-state can function to the satisfaction of the people living in the region. However, we are yet to find an effective institutional mechanism to address inter-state disputes. It would therefore be incorrect to argue that regionalism in South Asia can begin or end with SAARC. The two need to be differentiated. The late Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs longing for a day when he could have breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul remains a compelling vision and is not beyond achievement. The precondition for realising this vision is that peoples power must be unleashed and mobilised in the service of humane regionalism in South Asia. The corporate sector, too, is not averse to such thinking. At one-point, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee nominated R.K. Mishra, a former journalist and a close associate of Dhirubhai Ambani, who headed the Reliance conglomerate. Reliance had an additional stake in India-Pakistan peace, as it had invested in a refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, close to the Pakistan border. Against this backdrop, it needs to be emphasised that the absence of a regional platform and the growing hesitation among SAARC countries to engage with one another have created a vacuum. This vacuum is increasingly being filled by religious radicalism and internal insecurity across the region. The road ahead remains uncertain. The Road Ahead First, without mutual accommodation between India and Pakistan, the revival of SAARC is inconceivable. Pakistan cannot be dismissed as a strategic entity. All major powers, including the United States, China, Russia and Turkey, engage with Pakistan, even when India chooses to remain disengaged. Foreign policy expert Kanti Bajpai believes that Pakistan is strategically attractive for three reasons: its location, its power and its capacity to disrupt. With approximately half a million personnel in uniform and roughly 200 nuclear warheads, Pakistan remains Indias strategic competitor. It reportedly possesses more nuclear warheads than India. By 2050, Pakistan is projected to become the worlds third-most populous country, after China and India. There is no way to peace but peace is the way. Second, by keeping SAARC in limbo, India risks pushing even Bangladesh towards a more adversarial regional posture. To borrow the expression of Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh risks becoming another Pakistan on Indias eastern front. Indias former Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, recently observed that there could be a convergence of interests among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladeshs Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has called for a Bangladesh First policy to guide his government. He has not visited India despite an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister. Bangladesh is also reportedly reviewing around 101 bilateral agreements with India. Finally, we, the people of Junoobi Asia (South Asia), need to think about the future generations who will inhabit this part of the world. India, as a major regional power, can offer ideas and solutions to the challenges confronting the region. Genuine regional leadership demands the capacity to generate ideas, build consensus and deliver tangible solutions. By adopting such an approach, India can enhance its regional influence and strengthen its position as a responsible regional power. During recent India-Pakistan Track II meetings, the dangers posed by climate change got focussed attention. Climate change can severely degrade critical sectors, including water and electricity, transportation networks and supply chains. South Asia can draw lessons from the legally binding ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response which is founded on cooperation and mutual trust. A similar framework could serve South Asia well, provided that the sovereignty of individual SAARC members is respected. The revival of SAARC is the way forward. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
Yawar Mir urges MEA to repatriate Sopore students body from Bangladesh
Srinagar, Nov 6:Apni Party Youth Wing President Yawar Mir has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene urgently to facilitate the repatriation of the mortal remains of Adnan Altaf, a Kashmiri MBBS student from Sopore, whose body was recovered from a water body in Bangladesh after he was reported missing. Adnan, a resident of Sopore in north Kashmir, was pursuing his MBBS degree at Eastern Medical College in Cumilla, Bangladesh. His mysterious death has plunged his family, hometown and the wider community into deep grief and shock. Expressing concern over the tragic incident, Yawar Mir appealed to the MEA to take up the matter with the Bangladeshi authorities and ensure that the students mortal remains are brought back home without any further delay. He also urged the Ministry to engage with the concerned Bangladeshi authorities to ensure a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adnans death, so that the facts emerge and his family gets answers. Mir stressed the need for swift diplomatic intervention to ensure the dignified return of the deceased student and a proper investigation into the tragic incident.
Restoration of statehood main agenda of J&K Congress: Tariq Hameed Karra
Akhnoor, Nov 6:JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra has asserted that Congress would continue its fight to ensure free, fair elections and secure the basic right to vote of every citizen to safeguard democracy in the country. Addressing Congress gathering at Akhnoor on Friday organised by newly appointed Chairman of JKPCC Scheduled Caste Department Ashok Bhagat, Karra said that the efforts of LOP Rahul Gandhi have proved beyond doubt the various modes of Vote Chori by the Modi government through CEC Gyanesh Kumar and more than 13 crore people have been deprived of their right to votes, so far. Modi government indulged in large scale vote chori and manipulations in elections from past several years, which has been exposed now. Right to vote is the most precious right with everyone in democracy but that is being snatched by BJP, which shall not be allowed any more by Congress and like-minded forces in the country. The recent rally in Delhi against Vote Chori has established the mood of the people in the country and asked the party workers to continue to expose BJP's chori of the rights of common people. He said that restoration of statehood is the main agenda of J&K Congress as BJP has snatched statehood status along with other significant rights to people of J&K. The people are suffering for want of statehood. Congratulating Ashok Bhagat for remarkable fight in Assembly electionshe said he has been elevated in the party to represent the voice of downtrodden and oppressed community in view of his knowledge of academia and administrative officer. Karra recalled the services for veteran leader and four times MLA from Akhnoor Pt Dharampal Sharma who recently expired and that of Madan Lal Sharma, stating that Akhnoor- Chhamb has remained bastion of Congress and party bonds would be revived here. Working President Raman Bhalla in his address raised the issue of railway connectivity project to Rajouri- Poonch via Akhnoor, Sunderbani, which is pending clearance for more than 13 years and questioned BJP's stand and failure to take it up the important project thus ignoring the vast area and border belt. He said that Ashok Bhagat is an intelligent and hardworking leader attached to grass root levels and praised the PCC President and Congress high command for selection of right. Person for right place. He Said people are sandwiched between two power centers in the absence of statehood and Congress wouldn't rest till statehood is achieved. Former Minister Mula Ram criticised BJP for depriving poor and downtrodden people of their rights and giving unprecedented price hike, unemployment and vote chori in its rule. The poor people and youth are suffering a lot under this regime. He appreciated the qualities of leadership of Ashok Bhagat and thanked PCC President for his appointment as SC Department head. District President Jammu Rural Neeraj kundan also felicitated Ashok Bhagat and expressed gratitude to PCC Leadership for his selection who is down to earth and popular amongst people. Earlier Incharge Assembly Kuldeep Sharma and other local leaders thanked PCC President and welcomed him on the occasion. Prominent those who attended included Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, Ex MP T S Bajwa, Former Legislators Th Balbir Singh, Ved Mahajan, Th Hari Singh Chib, Former Minister Yash Pal Kundal, Krishan Bhagat Ex -MLA, Vijay Sharma ,Ch Hussain Ali Wafa,,Ajay Lakhotra, Ashok Sharma, Sanjeev Panda, Bharat Priye, Mangal Bral, Kuldeep Sharma Incharge Assembly, Baldev Bhagat, Latish Sharma, Vijyant Pathania, K P Singh, Amit Sayal, Ram Paul Sharma and others.
Srinagar, Nov 6: Research initiatives in semiconductor and emerging digital technologies being pursued at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar were highlighted through invited talks at the EU-India Digital Cooperation Conference 2026, held at South Asian University, New Delhi, on November 2 and 3. A statement of NIT issued here said that Sheikh Aamir Ahsan and ArshidNisar, faculty members of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at NIT Srinagar, delivered the invited talks, presenting their ongoing research in two emerging areas: Power Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology for electric vehicles and AI data centres, and neuromorphic computing using spintronic devices. The talks were delivered under the framework of INPACE, a Horizon Europe-funded project aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Indo-Pacific countries in semiconductor and digital technologies. Ahsan presented his research on Power GaN technology and compact modelling for applications in electric vehicles and AI data centres, highlighting ongoing research at NIT Srinagar aimed at advancing next-generation power electronics and semiconductor applications. Nisar spoke on neuromorphic computing using spintronic devices, an emerging approach inspired by the functioning of the human brain, with potential applications in developing energy-efficient computing systems. His research is being undertaken with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the DST INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship. The conference brought together experts, researchers and policymakers from India and the European Union to deliberate on cooperation in semiconductor development and digital technologies. Padma Shri Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Institute Professor at IIT Madras, attended the conference as the chief guest. The programme featured invited talks, panel discussions and an interactive working session involving experts from participating countries.
KPDCL announces power shutdown in city areas
Srinagar, Nov 6:Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 132 kV IRCON Budgam Transmission line will be observed due to which power supply to Traction Substation Budgam (Railway) will be affected from 09 am to 03 pm on 07 November 2026. Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Habbak-Zakura Burzhama line and 33 kV Habbak-Hazratbal line will be observed due to which power supply to Zakura, Batpora, Gulabagh, Burzhama, Chatterhama, Tailbal, Danihama, Khimber, Shuperbagh, Animal Husbandry, Hazratbal, Umar Colony, Rangpora, BARC, Habbak, KU, Nigeen, Kanitar, NIT, Shrine and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 am to 03 pm on 22 November 2026.
Department of Posts extends working hours of Dal Lakes Floating Post Office
Srinagar, Nov 6:The Department of Posts has extended the working hours of the iconic Floating Post Office at Nehru Park on Dal Lake, Srinagar, which will now remain operational from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The initiative follows the encouraging public response to the recent extension of working hours at Lal Chowk Head Post Office, which is also functioning from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Chief Postmaster General, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Col. Sagar Hanuman Singh, IPoS, visited the Floating Post Office along with Prateek, Director Postal Services, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, and Sh. Adam Mohi U Din, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Srinagar Postal Division. During the visit, the officers reviewed the facilities and interacted with customers, tourists and members of the public to understand their requirements. Considering the considerable footfall at Nehru Park and the demand for postal services beyond regular office hours, the decision was taken to extend the working hours of the facility. Speaking on the occasion, Col. Sagar Hanuman Singh said that the decision aims to provide greater convenience to customers, tourists and the local population. He reiterated the Department of Posts commitment to making postal services more accessible, customer-friendly and responsive to public needs. Prateek said that the initiative reflects the Departments continued efforts to improve service delivery and provide greater flexibility in accessing postal facilities. He observed that the Floating Post Office is not only an important postal facility but also a distinctive attraction for tourists visiting Kashmir. The extended hours will enable local residents, tourists, houseboat operators and other visitors to access postal services at more convenient times. Adam Mohi U Din said that the encouraging response to the extension of working hours at Lal Chowk Head Post Office had reinforced the need to improve public access to postal services. He informed that the Department is also exploring the possibility of extending the working hours of more post offices in the region in the coming days.
Open garbage dump on Noorbagh-Palpora road sparks health concerns
Srinagar, Nov 6:An open garbage dumping site on the Noorbagh-Palpora road has become a major source of inconvenience for residents and commuters. Locals allege that heaps of uncollected waste is attracting stray dogs and posing serious risks to pedestrians and motorists. The garbage, dumped openly along the roadside without any covered collection facility, remains scattered for long hours before being lifted, emanating a pungent smell. They alleged that the waste often remains on the road throughout the day and even into the afternoons, leaving the entire stretch covered in an unbearable stench. Instead of a proper waste collection point, there is just an open heap of garbage. It gives a very bad impression of the locality and makes it difficult for people to even walk on the road, said Farooq Ahmad, a local resident. According to residents, the dumping site has become a feeding ground for packs of stray dogs that gather around the waste throughout the day. They said the dogs frequently chase two-wheelers, e-rickshaws and cyclists, creating panic among commuters and increasing the chances of accidents. I ride my motorcycle on this road every day. The dogs suddenly run behind vehicles after feeding on the garbage. It is dangerous, especially during the morning and evening hours, said Firdous Ahmad, a commuter. Locals said there is a playground in the vicinity of the dumping site, but children are often discouraged from using it because of the large number of stray dogs roaming around the garbage. Our children cannot play freely. Parents remain worried because the dogs often move towards the playground. The authorities should remove this dumping site immediately, said another resident. Residents also pointed out that smaller heaps of garbage have appeared at one or two other locations along the Noorbagh-Palpora stretch, worsening the sanitation situation and affecting the overall appearance of the neighbourhood. Morning walkers said they either avoid the stretch or carry sticks for protection against stray dogs. We go for morning walks for better health, but instead we have to deal with foul smell and aggressive dogs. Many elderly people and women avoid this road together, said a regular walker. Students, particularly those walking alone to schools or tuition centres, also face difficulties because of the stray dog menace, residents said. The locals appealed to Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to ensure timely lifting of garbage, remove the open dumping site and identify a more suitable and scientific waste disposal arrangement. They said immediate intervention is necessary to restore cleanliness, improve public safety and preserve the appearance of the locality.
Surging power demand escalates load shedding in Kashmir
Srinagar, Nov 6:With temperatures beginning to drop and winter approaching, Kashmir is witnessing mounting pressure on its electricity supply system as rising demand coincides with declining hydropower generation, increasing dependence on power imports and complaints of prolonged unscheduled outages. The emerging power situation has once again exposed the Valley's vulnerability to seasonal fluctuations in hydropower generation, with residents questioning why electricity supply remains erratic despite the announcement of a revised load curtailment schedule by the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL). A senior KPDCL official told Greater Kashmir that Kashmir's peak electricity demand during this period is around 1500 megawatts (MW), with consumption expected to rise further as winter advances and households increasingly depend on electrical appliances for heating and other domestic requirements. The pressure is being compounded by a seasonal decline in water levels in rivers, which directly affects electricity generation from hydropower projects across Jammu and Kashmir. Official power-sector data accessed by Greater Kashmir shows that the combined electricity load of Jammu and Kashmir stood at 2318 MW on November 3, with Kashmir accounting for 1426 MW and Jammu 893 MW. Against this requirement, power imports were recorded at approximately 1,950 MW, underscoring the Union Territory's substantial dependence on electricity procured from outside to maintain supply. The generation summary recorded state-sector output at 373 MW and central-sector generation at 226 MW. State-sector generation includes electricity produced by J&K-owned projects across both divisions, while central-sector generation includes output from major NHPC-operated projects. Baglihar-I was among the major contributors to state-sector generation, with an output of 298 MW at the time of the recorded data. Other contributions came from hydropower projects across Jammu and Kashmir and independent power producers. The central-sector portfolio includes major projects such as Uri-I, Uri-II, Salal, Dulhasti, Kishanganga and Sewa-II. The figures highlight the continuing mismatch between the Union Territory's electricity requirements and its ability to meet them through locally generated power, particularly during the winter season when hydropower production becomes increasingly dependent on reduced river discharge. A senior official said generation from J&K-owned hydropower projects had been fluctuating between 250 MW and 300 MW during the past week. During the past week, the average power generation from the local generation projects was fluctuating from 250-280 or 270-300 MW, the official said. The official attributed the lower generation primarily to declining water levels in rivers, which reduce the availability of water required to operate hydropower stations at higher capacities. Jammu and Kashmir has an installed hydropower capacity of approximately 3540 MW spread across 31 operational projects. Of this, around 1197 MW is in the state sector, 2250 MW in the central sector and 92.75 MW is operated by independent power producers. However, installed capacity does not translate into electricity availability throughout the year. Hydropower generation fluctuates with seasonal water availability, making the Union Territory particularly vulnerable during winter when river discharge declines even as electricity consumption increases. Consequently, power procurement from the central pool and other external sources assumes greater importance in bridging the demand-supply gap. In a move aimed at strengthening winter availability, the Ministry of Power is allocating an additional 330 MW from the central pool to Jammu and Kashmir from December 1, 2026, to February 2027. A senior official said the additional allocation would help offset the seasonal decline in hydropower generation and improve electricity availability during the months of peak consumption. However, the additional power is unlikely to completely eliminate supply constraints, particularly during morning and evening peak hours when domestic consumption rises sharply and the distribution network comes under increased pressure. While the government has announced a revised power curtailment plan, consumers across Kashmir continue to report outages that, they allege, frequently exceed the prescribed timings. KPDCL introduced the revised Load Curtailment Plan (LCP) across Kashmir from October 17, linking the duration of scheduled power cuts to the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses recorded on individual feeders. Under the revised arrangement, feeders with AT&C losses exceeding 65 per cent have been assigned eight hours of daily curtailment. Areas falling in the 40.5 to 65 percent category are scheduled to face six hours of outages, while feeders with losses between 15 and 40.5 percent have been assigned three hours of daily cuts. Consumers in areas where feeder losses range between zero and 15 percent are scheduled to face only 30 minutes of daily curtailment. The revised plan also seeks to incentivise better electricity consumption and revenue performance by expanding round-the-clock supply to more areas. As many as 85 additional feeders have been included in the 24-hour electricity supply category, taking the total number of such feeders across Kashmir to 214. The feeder-wise schedule covers Srinagar city and other districts of the Valley, with specific timings notified for different receiving stations and distribution areas. In Srinagar, metered, cabled and designated round-the-clock feeders have been assigned between 30 minutes and three hours of scheduled curtailment. Several non-cabled and non-metered feeders, particularly in rural areas, have been allocated six to eight hours of daily power cuts. Essential feeders supplying hospitals, medical institutions and water supply installations have been provided with separate arrangements, while certain industrial feeders have been exempted from scheduled curtailment. Despite these provisions, the gap between the published schedule and actual electricity availability has become a major source of public dissatisfaction. Residents in several parts of Kashmir complain that power cuts are being imposed beyond the notified hours, with interruptions occurring even during periods when supply is supposed to remain available. In Srinagar and Ganderbal, residents have recently reported eight to ten hours of daily outages in areas including Lar, Wayil, Kangan and Gund. Consumers say prolonged interruptions are affecting normal household activities, disrupting businesses and creating difficulties for students preparing for examinations. The situation is particularly challenging for households dependent on electricity for heating and other essential requirements as temperatures continue to fall. KPDCL officials, meanwhile, have attributed additional load shedding and grid curtailments to the widening gap between demand and available supply, besides operational constraints arising from the need to prevent overloading at key receiving stations during peak consumption hours. The complaints have nevertheless brought the implementation of the revised curtailment plan under scrutiny, with consumers seeking greater transparency over the reasons for outages beyond the notified schedule. The recurring winter power deficit also highlights a longstanding structural challenge facing Jammu and Kashmir: the limited exploitation of its considerable hydropower resources. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, Jammu and Kashmir has an identified hydropower potential of 14,867 MW. However, only 3540.15 MW, representing 23.81 percent of the identified potential, has been harnessed so far.
Ganderbal court acquits duo in 3-decade old murder case
Srinagar, Nov 6:A Sessions Court in Ganderbal has acquitted two persons accused in nearly a 30-year-old abduction and murder case, observing that the prosecution failed to establish their individual culpability beyond reasonable doubt. In a 106-page judgement, the Court of Additional Sessions Judge Ganderbal, Fozia Paul, brought to an end the trial in FIR No;173/1997 registered at Police Station Ganderbal under Sections 364 (abduction in order to murder), 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 201(disappearance of evidence) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The case remained pending for nearly 23 years, making it the oldest case on the court's docket. The investigation, initially conducted by the local police, was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch, Srinagar, in May 1999 for further investigation. During the investigation, it was noticed that certain documents and articles, including an identity card and material relating to the alleged recovery or payment of money, had not been formally taken into possession during the initial investigation. Accordingly, the relevant seizure memos were prepared and the material was brought on the investigation record. The case pertained to the alleged abduction of GhulamNabi Malik, a resident of Badergund, from his residence on June 21, 1997, and the subsequent recovery of his decomposed body from the Power Canal at Ganderbal on August 16, 1997. The challan was initially presented before the City Judge Srinagar on October 27, 2003, and was subsequently transferred to the Court of Principal Sessions Judge Ganderbal in July 2008. The proceedings remained pending for over two decades, making it the oldest case on the court's docket. The prosecution case was that an alleged incident of indecent behaviour involving a girl from the family of one of the accused had triggered enmity between the two families, eventually leading to Malik's abduction and murder. The investigation alleged that the accused had conspired to abduct him with the assistance of persons associated with security forces and counter-insurgency groups. The prosecution also relied upon allegations of threats, subsequent assurances regarding his release and payment of Rs 10,000 for tracing him. During the proceedings, Muhammad Sultan Mir alias Sula Buchpori had turned approver and recorded his statement before a Magistrate under Section 164 CrPC on September 1, 2003. He had allegedly implicated an Army Major in the abduction and disposal of the body, claiming that the officer had been promised a Pashmina shawl worth Rs 60,000. However, he subsequently retracted his statement. The court held that the prosecution evidence suffered from material contradictions and failed to establish the involvement of the surviving accused, Irshad Ahmad Sofi and Muhammad YaseenSofi. Emphasising that moral sympathy for the victim's family could not substitute legal proof, the court observed that an accused could not be convicted on the basis of conjecture, hearsay or admitted village enmity. Accordingly, the court dismissed the challan and acquitted Irshad Ahmad Sofi and Mohammad YaseenSofi of all charges under Sections 364, 302, 120-B and 201 RPC. However, while acquitting the accused, the court observed that the failure of the prosecution to establish their individual criminal responsibility did not erase the circumstances surrounding Malik's forcible disappearance and subsequent recovery of his body in circumstances indicating homicidal death. The court recommended consideration of compensation for the deceased's widow, Hafeeza, and other eligible dependents under Section 545-A (3) of the CrPC, Samvat 1989, read with the applicable J&K Victim Compensation Scheme. It directed that a copy of the judgment, along with relevant medical documents and available particulars, be forwarded to the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal, for examination of the dependants' eligibility and rehabilitation needs. The DLSA was asked to verify their financial circumstances, including the widow's employment under the SRO and any compensation or financial assistance already received, and pass a reasoned order after completing the requisite inquiry. The court clarified that its recommendation did not predetermine the entitlement or quantum of compensation.
CIK raids 10 locations across Kashmir in UAPA case
Srinagar, Nov 6:The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday conducted coordinated searches at 10 locations across the Valley in connection with FIR No 07/2023 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar. The case has been registered under Sections 153-A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 13, 18, 18-A and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The investigation pertains to an alleged module involved in using social media platforms and encrypted messaging applications to radicalise youth and facilitate recruitment into proscribed terrorist organisations, officials said. According to details, the searches covered three locations in Anantnag, two each in Pulwama, Srinagar and Budgam, and one in Baramulla. The operations were carried out in coordination with local police and revenue officials. During the searches, digital devices including nine cellular phones and one laptop were seized for forensic examination. Officials said that the recovered material would be analysed for further leads on the network and its linkages. The FIR relates to a conspiracy involving associates in the Valley operating in tandem with handlers based across the border. Investigators have been examining the use of social media to upload content aimed at glorifying terrorism, spreading anti-India narratives and luring youth into terrorist ranks. Earlier searches in the same case had also led to the recovery of electronic gadgets and other incriminating material. Sources familiar with the investigation said the module was linked to efforts by Pakistan-based handlers of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other banned outfits to radicalise and recruit through digital platforms. The current round of searches is part of the ongoing probe to identify local contacts, trace communication trails and dismantle residual support structures. The seized devices are expected to undergo technical analysis to establish digital footprints, contacts and content that may further the investigation. Officials said the action forms part of sustained efforts to counter the terror ecosystem, particularly its online radicalisation and recruitment components. Further investigation is underway, and more details are expected as the forensic examination of the recovered material progresses.
Kalhanas Rajatarangini makes it to UNESCO list
Srinagar, Nov 6:Kalhanas 12th-century chronicle of Kashmir, Rajatarangini, has been inscribed on UNESCOs Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, bringing international recognition to a landmark work of historical writing whose manuscript is preserved in Srinagar. Two other important Indian works, the Mahabharata and KautilyasArthashastra, have also been included in the regional register, officials said. The decision was taken at the 11th session of UNESCOs Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Union Ministry of Culture announced the inscriptions on Thursday through Press Information Bureau, sharing photographs of the UNESCO certificates on social media. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) prepared the nomination dossiers for all three works, playing a key role in securing their inclusion, officials said. With the latest additions, Indias entries in the Asia-Pacific Regional Register have risen to six. The countrys earlier inscriptions, made in 2024, include illustrated manuscripts of TulsidassRamcharitmanas, a 15th-century manuscript of the Panchatantra and Sahrdayaloka-Locana, a work on Indian literary aesthetics. The inscription of Rajatarangini is particularly significant for Kashmir, as the manuscript recognised by UNESCO is preserved at the Oriental Research Library in the Sri Pratap Singh Library Complex in Srinagar. Written in Sanskrit by Kalhana between 1148 and 1149 CE, Rajatarangini is among the earliest systematic historical chronicles of the Indian subcontinent. Comprising 7826 verses divided into eight books, known as Tarangas, it records the history of Kashmirs rulers and dynasties, political developments and socio-cultural life. The chronicle traces Kashmirs history from its legendary beginnings to the reign of King Jayasimha in the 12th century. It is distinguished by Kalhanas efforts to examine historical events through earlier accounts, available sources and critical assessment, rather than relying solely on royal genealogies. The manuscript was written in the Sharada script on traditional Kashmiri birch bark, making it an important document of the regions literary and manuscript heritage. The other two recognised works also represent significant traditions of Indian intellectual history. The Mahabharata manuscript, officially titled 'The Birch-bark (burjapatra) Manuscript of Mahabharata - A Perennial Epic of South Asia', is preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune. The manuscript represents an important witness to the older Kashmiri recension of the Sanskrit epic. Georg Bhler, an Indologist, acquired it in Kashmir in 1875, and it is regarded as a significant textual source. KautilyasArthashastra, officially listed as 'KautilyasArthashastra, Ancient Palm-leaf Manuscript on Governance and Statecraft', is preserved at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysuru. Attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, the ancient Sanskrit treatise deals with governance, administration, economic policy, diplomacy, military strategy, and statecraft. The surviving manuscript is a 16th-century palm-leaf document written in the Grantha script. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the inscriptions as an important recognition of Indias documentary and civilisational heritage, saying the works reflected traditions of historical inquiry, philosophical thought and statecraft. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to preserve documentary heritage and promote its accessibility and recognition across generations.
Srinagar, Nov 6:Ice finally broke between disgruntled National Conference (NC) legislators and the party high command, including NC President Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, after a meeting at the NC chiefs Gupkar residence in Srinagar on Friday, where the party high command assured the dissidents that it would address their grievances in phases. In his post-meeting interaction with reporters, Farooq Abdullah said: We have spoken to them. Their problems were genuine, and we heard them properly. We will take some steps quickly and some steps slowly. However, he rejected reports of a split, describing them as baseless, and said the NC had remained united and would not be broken. The three-time chief minister also reiterated the partys commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood and Articles 370 and 35-A, saying the matter would be pursued in the Supreme Court. The meeting, in which around 15 to 16 legislators participated, was held against the backdrop of growing internal discontent within the party following the October 27 cabinet expansion. NC MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi), said there was no breakaway group and that the legislators had received assurances from the party leadership. The legislators have authorisedGurezi to speak to the media on behalf of the group. Gurezi rejected suggestions that the legislators were attempting to establish a separate faction or political formation. We are legislators of the National Conference. Whenever we have issues, we take them to our party leadership, he said. Gurezi said that certain sections on social media had portrayed their earlier meetings as the emergence of a separate party, which was not the case. On the outcome of Fridays meeting, he said: There were certain issues which we brought before the Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) Sahab and Farooq (Abdullah) Sahab. They have assured us that whether these are political issues or other matters, some will be addressed immediately while others will be resolved gradually. The disgruntled NC legislators consultations began following the October 27 cabinet expansion. Their first closed-door meeting was held at the Humhama residence of MLA LolabQaysarJamshaid Lone, in which 17 NC legislators and an independent MLA from Thanamandi had reportedly pledged collective solidarity. The subsequent meetings were held at the TulsiBagh residence of MLA GurezNazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) and the Haiderpora residence of MLA GulmargPirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah. The November 5 meeting at HasnainMasoodisSanat Nagar residence was their fourth meeting since the cabinet expansion in which 20 legislators participated, 16 physically and four virtually. The disgruntled group had prepared a charter of demands covering governance, ministerial accountability, and organisational restructuring. Among the reported demands were greater efforts towards restoration of statehood and special status for Jammu and Kashmir; implementation of the Dachigam resolution concerning cabinet restructuring and ministerial accountability; changes in the Chief Ministers inner circle; a consultative advisory group of two to three legislators to brief the Chief Minister regularly on governance and development; a high-powered disciplinary committee and an inquiry panel to address party grievances; strengthening the partys media and communications machinery; regular meetings of the NC Working Committee; and establishment of an election cell and comprehensive organisational restructuring.
Kashmir receives near-normal October rain
Srinagar, Nov 6:Kashmir received near-normal rainfall in October, but the division-wide average masks sharp disparities across districts, with parts of south Kashmir facing significant shortfalls even as some areas in north and central Kashmir recorded excess precipitation. Jammu received substantially above-normal rainfall, while Ladakh remained largely dry, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. Kashmir Division received 32.13 mm of rainfall against its normal of 30.38 mm during the month of October, marking a positive departure of 5.76 percent and placing it in the normal category. Shopian recorded the highest shortfall at 71 percent, receiving just 8.8 mm against a normal of 30.4 mm, placing it in the large deficit category. Kulgam received 14.9 mm against 35.5 mm, a deficit of 58 percent, while Anantnag recorded 23.3 mm against a normal of 30.7 mm, marking a 24 percent shortfall. Both districts fell in the deficit category. Budgam received 19.3 mm against a normal of 22.4 mm, a deficit of 14 percent, placing it in the normal category. Pulwama recorded 24.8 mm against 22.3 mm, marking 11 percent excess, while Srinagar received 31.5 mm against a normal of 27 mm, a surplus of 17 percent. Both also remained in the normal category. In north and central Kashmir, Kupwara recorded 73.5 mm against a normal of 40.7 mm, marking 81 percent excess and placing it in the large excess category. Ganderbal received 42.3 mm against 28.2 mm, a surplus of 50 percent, while Bandipora recorded 37.6 mm against 28.7 mm, marking 31 percent excess. Both districts fell in the excess category. Baramulla received 45.3 mm against a normal of 37.9 mm, a departure of 19 percent, placing it in the normal category. This means the rainfall was not uniform, mostly across the Kashmir valley and, to some extent, in Jammu Division, a Meteorological Department official said. Jammu Division received 59.66 mm of rainfall against its normal of 30.83 mm during the same period, marking 93.51 percent excess and placing the division in the large excess category. Jammu district received 124.7 mm against a normal of 30.4 mm, marking 310 percent surplus. Kathua recorded 56.9 mm against 25.2 mm, a surplus of 126 percent, while Poonch received 61.3 mm against 30.1 mm, registering 103 percent excess. Reasi recorded 71.6 mm against 35.5 mm, marking 102 percent excess. Rajouri received 27.5 mm against 15.3 mm, a surplus of 79 percent, while Samba recorded 110 mm against a normal of 9.8 mm, translating into 1022 percent excess. All six districts fell in the large excess category. Udhampur received 80.6 mm against a normal of 59.2 mm, marking 36 percent excess and placing it in the excess category. In contrast, Kishtwar received 19.5 mm against a normal of 33.5 mm, a shortfall of 42 percent. Doda recorded 21 mm against 33.5 mm, a deficit of 37 percent, while Ramban received 23.5 mm against 35.8 mm, marking a 34 percent shortfall. All three districts fell in the deficit category. Ladakh also recorded a sharp rainfall shortfall. Leh received 1.3 mm against its normal of 3.4 mm, marking a 65 percent deficit and falling in the deficient (large deficient) category. Kargil recorded no rainfall against a normal of 1.3 mm and was classified under the No Rain and large deficit category, according to IMD data. This means the rainfall was not uniform, mostly across the Kashmir Valley and, to some extent, in Jammu Division, a Meteorological Department official said. The broader rainfall assessment showed deficits across all three regions. According to IMD data, Kashmir recorded a 33.4 percent deficit, Jammu 21.4 percent, and Ladakh 97.8 percent. The combined shortfall across the 20 districts stood at 24.4 percent, placing it in the deficit category. Under IMD classification, rainfall departures between minus 19 and plus 19 percent are considered normal. A shortfall of 20 to 59 percent falls in the deficit category, while a departure of 60 percent or more below normal is classified as large deficit. Rainfall 20 to 59 percent above normal is classified as excess, while a surplus of 60 percent or more constitutes large excess.
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J&K Bank announces 1,356 vacancies for POs, Banking Associates
Srinagar, Nov 6: Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Friday announced a major recruitment drive for 1,356 posts of Probationary Officers and Banking Associates, opening fresh employment opportunities for educated youth across Jammu and Kashmir. According to two detailed notifications issued by the Bank's Corporate Headquarters in Srinagar, the recruitment includes 323 posts of Probationary Officers (POs) and 1,033 posts of Banking Associates. The online application process will commence on November 7 and continue until November 26, 2026, while examinations will be conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The Bank has restricted eligibility to domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir, making possession of a valid domicile certificate mandatory for selected candidates. In a significant condition, selected candidates will be required to serve for a minimum of five years within the zone initially allotted to them. No transfer outside the allotted zone will be permitted before completion of the prescribed period. Candidates applying for either post must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the competent authority. The age limit has been fixed between 20 and 30 years as on January 1, 2026, with relaxation available to reserved-category candidates under the applicable rules. For Banking Associate posts, candidates who have successfully completed apprenticeship training with J&K Bank will receive an additional one-year age relaxation and extra marks equivalent to 2.5 per cent of the maximum marks in the online examination. The selection process for Probationary Officers will comprise three stages preliminary examination, mains examination and interview. Candidates numbering ten times the vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the mains examination, while three times the vacancies will subsequently be called for interviews based on their performance in the mains examination. Recruitment for Banking Associates will be conducted through an online examination administered by IBPS. The notifications state that reservation will be implemented in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, as amended from time to time, including the provisions notified under S.O. 176 of March 15, 2024. The recruitment provides reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, residents of backward areas, Economically Weaker Sections and other eligible categories. Horizontal reservation has also been provided for persons with benchmark disabilities, while the Banking Associate notification includes provisions for ex-servicemen. The Bank has made verification of educational qualifications, age, domicile and category certificates mandatory before appointment. Applicants will also be required to submit a self-declaration regarding their character and antecedents. The Bank has reserved the right to cancel candidature or appointment in cases involving material misrepresentation or specified criminal convictions. Eligible candidates can apply through the Careers section of the Bank's official website, jkb.bank.in. The dates for examinations, issuance of admit cards and declaration of results will be announced separately. Pertinently, the recruitment notifications were issued hours after the Bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, in an exclusive interaction with KNS earlier in the day, confirmed that the much-awaited recruitment notification would be released on Friday. (KNS)
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Mirwaiz says he remains under house arrest, barred from delivering Friday sermon
Srinagar, Nov 6: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday said he continued to remain under house arrest for nearly a week, alleging that police deployment and barricades outside his Nigeen residence had prevented him from visiting the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar to deliver the Friday sermon. In a post on X, Mirwaiz expressed disappointment over the continued restrictions, saying he would not be able to address the faithful at the mosque. My house detention continues unabated for the past week with police deployment and barricades in place. Unfortunate that I will not be able to deliver the Friday sermon at Jama Masjid Srinagar to the faithful today. Arbitrary and authoritarian measures to curtail freedom of movement and speech only betray the official narrative of normalcy in Kashmir, he said. He said the restrictions had prevented him from attending scheduled religious gatherings and leading the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid.
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NHAI issues guidelines to standardise design, infrastructure for multi-lane free flow tolling
New Delhi, Nov 6: Paving way for wider adoption of barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system across the country, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued guidelines to standardise design and infrastructure of toll plazas on four-lane and above National Highways. The guidelines will ensure that upcoming and ongoing National Highway projects are equipped to support MLFF based barrier-free toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop at toll booths. The initiative is aimed at eliminating traffic queues and waiting time, reducing fuel consumption at toll plazas, while making National Highway journeys safer and more seamless. The guidelines prescribe uniform requirements for toll plaza layouts, lane configuration, gantries, road infrastructure, lighting, signage and supporting facilities. It also lays down an implementation framework for upcoming and ongoing National Highway projects. Standardized design for different National Highway configurations The policy circular lays down standardised guidelines for the layout and infrastructure of Barrier-Less Toll Plazas across different configurations of National Highways. These guidelines broadly prescribe the plaza layout, number of tolling lanes, provision and placement of gantries, and associated road safety features, signage and lighting arrangements to ensure uniformity in the design and facilitate seamless implementation of barrier-less tolling across the country. With vehicles being tolled without the need to stop at physical barriers, the number of lanes required at a toll plaza has been rationalised in comparison to conventional toll plazas, facilitating more efficient utilisation of available space and improving traffic movement through the tolling zone. Implementation on National Highway projects The guidelines will apply to all future and under construction projects. Projects at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage will incorporate the new design in their documents, while projects already awarded or under construction will adopt the changes through applicable contractual provisions. NHAI field offices have been directed to incorporate the prescribed requirements in upcoming projects and facilitate their adoption in ongoing projects. Emphasis on safety and user convenience The policy circular emphasize the provision of adequate lighting, advance information and guidance to highway users through appropriate signage and Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) at toll plazas. These measures are aimed at enhancing visibility, keeping road users informed about the tolling zone and ensuring safe and smooth movement of vehicles. The guidelines also provide for construction of an administrative building-cum-operations and maintenance centre operational and maintenance infrastructure for efficient management of toll plaza operations. Earlier, NHAI released comprehensive guidelines for planning and designing of High-Speed Access controlled National Highways, other than Expressways. The guidelines aimed to bring uniformity in standards for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of upcoming high-speed National Highway corridors to bring greater consistency in technical standards and strengthen road safety. The introduction of standardized infrastructure and design framework for MLFF toll plazas mark an important step towards creating a uniform framework for barrier-less tolling, providing seamless travel experience to National Highway users and enhancing overall efficiency of toll operations across the country.
ACB registers FIR against revenue officials, others for wrongful occupation of state land in Jammu
Jammu, Nov 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered an FIR against the then Naib Tehsildar, Patwari and certain private persons for their alleged involvement in facilitating the wrongful occupation of state land at Village Gurha Brahmana, Jammu. Officials said the FIR has been registered on the basis of the outcome of Verification No. 02/2024, conducted into a complaint lodged by Sohan Singh. They said the verification prima facie revealed that the accused public servants had allegedly abused and misused their official positions and failed to discharge their official duties in accordance with law, thereby facilitating wrongful gain to private persons and causing consequential wrongful loss to the complainant as well as the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The complainant had alleged that he had purchased 01 Kanal of land falling under Khasra No. 65-min through a registered sale deed dated 17.01.2005, followed by attestation of Mutation No. 2229 dated 18.02.2005. However, during verification, it was revealed that the land actually delivered to and occupied by the complainant falls under Khasra No. 96, which is recorded as State land. The verification further revealed that the then Patwari Babu Ram and the then Naib Tehsildar Ram Lal Sharma, allegedly in connivance with private persons Chaman Lal and Ram Chand, facilitated the preparation and issuance of revenue documents on the basis of an unauthenticated Dasti Khaka, without properly verifying the authentic revenue records and the actual position of the land at the spot. It was further revealed that the private persons, through their respective attorney holders, namely Ram Pal and Kasturi Lal, allegedly executed the sale deed and delivered possession of land falling under Khasra No. 96 instead of the land covered under Khasra No. 65-min. Officials said the report submitted by the Tehsildar, Jammu North, dated 10.07.2026, further confirmed that the complainant was not in possession of land falling under Khasra No. 65-min but was occupying land under Khasra No. 96, which stands recorded as State land. Accordingly, a case has been registered under Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Sections 120-B, 420, 467, 468 and 471 RPC. Further investigation in the case is underway, officials added.
