Testing a double harvest: Saffron fields, solar yields
Srinagar, Sep 9:Jammu and Kashmir could begin testing whether its agricultural land can produce both crops and electricity, with a small proposed saffron agrivoltaics project at Pampore offering a possible starting point for combining farming with solar power. Agrivoltaics, also known as Agri-PV, involves installing solar panels above or between crops so that the same piece of land can continue to be cultivated while also generating electricity. The approach is gaining attention in India as policymakers look for ways to expand renewable energy without taking productive agricultural land out of farming. For Jammu and Kashmir, the idea could be particularly relevant because land is under pressure from agriculture, horticulture, settlements, infrastructure and other competing uses. Instead of permanently converting farmland into conventional solar parks, agrivoltaics offers a model in which agricultural production could continue alongside power generation. A small experiment proposed at the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices (ARSSSS), SKUAST-K, Pampore, seeks to examine whether the concept can work in Kashmirs saffron-growing areas. A Detailed Project Report titled Detailed Project Report for Saffron-Based Agrivoltaics System has been prepared for a research project involving ARSSSS, SKUAST-K, NIT Srinagar and JK Green Technologies. The proposal envisages an approximately 16.74-kilowatt pilot installation in saffron fields. The experiment proposes testing three different solar-panel arrangements, each involving around 5 kW of capacity. One would use vertically installed bifacial panels oriented towards the east, another would use vertical bifacial panels facing west, while the third would use conventional panels tilted 30 degrees towards the south. The comparison is intended to establish how different panel designs affect both electricity generation and saffron cultivation. According to the project proposal, the south-facing panels could generate around 8.1 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, substantially higher than the approximately 3.2 MWh expected from each of the east- and west-facing vertical arrangements. However, the project is not designed simply to identify which panel produces the most electricity. Its larger purpose is to determine which arrangement offers the best combined outcome for agriculture and power generation. A vertical panel system could produce less electricity but may take up less agricultural space and allow greater access to sunlight, rain and snow on the soil. It could also interfere less with regular farm operations. A partially elevated or tilted system, meanwhile, could provide shade and potentially influence soil moisture and temperature, but could also reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the saffron crop. The proposed research is therefore intended to provide evidence on whether saffron production and solar generation can practically coexist under Kashmirs conditions. The project could have wider importance because saffron cultivation in Kashmir faces challenges linked to climate variability, water availability and productivity, while valuable saffron-growing land is also under pressure from changing land use. If farmers can generate additional income from solar electricity without significantly reducing saffron production, agrivoltaics could potentially strengthen the economic case for retaining agricultural land under saffron cultivation. The DPR makes a much larger theoretical calculation by considering around 3200 hectares of saffron land and assuming a solar potential of 0.5 MW per hectare. On that basis, it estimates a theoretical potential of around 1600 MW. However, the figure remains a projection rather than an established resource potential. The proposed 16.74-kW pilot cannot by itself demonstrate that 1600 MW of solar capacity can be installed across saffron fields while maintaining commercially viable cultivation. The assumed 0.5 MW per hectare density would also need to be tested under actual Kashmiri conditions. The proposed pilot is estimated to cost around Rs 10.42 lakh, making it a relatively small investment for generating evidence that could guide much larger agricultural and renewable-energy programmes. Researchers could strengthen the experiment by comparing the solar plots with a nearby saffron plot without panels. Such a control plot would allow researchers to assess whether changes in crop performance are actually linked to the solar installation. The study could also examine results over several crop cycles and record flower production, stigma yield and quality, corm health and multiplication, soil moisture and temperature, irrigation requirements, disease incidence, snowfall behaviour and changes in the local microclimate. From an economic perspective, the most important measure would be the total income generated from the same piece of land income from saffron combined with revenue from electricity, after accounting for additional investment, maintenance and agricultural costs. The proposed research comes as the Centre is also exploring a wider role for agrivoltaics. ICAR-IARI has established a 100-kWp Agri-PV research facility in New Delhi with MNRE, NISE and GIZ to study different crop and solar configurations. The union government is also preparing PM-KUSUM 2.0 with a proposed dedicated 10-GW Agri-PV component. The policy direction could provide an opportunity for J&K to develop its own crop-specific research before larger schemes are rolled out. Experts involved in such work would need to consider that different crops require different designs. Panel height, spacing, orientation and density suitable for saffron may not be appropriate for apple orchards, vegetables, floriculture or medicinal and aromatic plants. For J&K, the proposed Pampore pilot could therefore serve as a first research platform for studying how solar generation can be integrated with agriculture without compromising crop production. The central proposition is simple: rather than choosing between agricultural land and solar power, Jammu and Kashmir could explore whether the same land can support both. The answer will depend on scientific evidence, crop performance, economics, and careful site-specific design.
Srinagar, Sep 9:Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was sworn in as the 39th Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at a solemn function held at SKUAST, Srinagar, on Wednesday. The oath of office was administered to Justice Bhati by Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh with additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir. The proceedings were conducted by Shashanka Ala, Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh, while the Warrant of Appointment of the Chief Justice was read out by M K Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh. The occasion was graced by the Chief Minister of J&K, Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh along with their spouses, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Advisor to Chief Minister of J&K, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, State Election Commissioner, former Chief Justices and Judges of the High Court and a distinguished gathering representing the judiciary, Bar, civil and police administration, and academia. A large number of sitting and former Chief Justices and Judges from several High Courts across the country, particularly from Rajasthan besides the High Courts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Allahabad, attended the event. The presence of Justice Nupur Bhati, Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and spouse of the Chief Justice, his parents, close relatives and other family members added special significance to the occasion. Among other dignitaries present were the Chief Secretary, J&K; Director General of Police of J&K; Commissioners Secretaries to Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Vice Chancellors of universities; Members of the Central Administrative Tribunal besides Executive Members of the Kashmir Advocates Association and the J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu; Law Officers of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Judicial Officers, and officers of the High Court Registry. A sizeable representation of senior advocates, government advocates and other members of the Bar from Rajasthan besides staff members and other distinguished guests, also attended the event. The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, issued the notification regarding the appointment of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on September 5, 2026. Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati enrolled as an Advocate in 1992 and practised primarily before the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur, acquiring extensive experience in diverse areas of law. These included constitutional and writ jurisdiction, service matters, public interest litigation, election, revenue, mining, education, Panchayati Raj, family and criminal law. Before his elevation as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016, Justice Bhati served as Additional Advocate General for the State of Rajasthan from October 13, 2008 to December 29, 2008, and again from January 6, 2014. During his distinguished career at the Bar, Justice Bhati was elected as Member of the Bar Council of Rajasthan for the period 2009-2015. He also served as President of the Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association from 2011 to 2013 and as General Secretary of the Rajasthan High Court Advocates Association in 2001. Justice Bhati holds BA, LLB and LLM in Mercantile Law besides a PhD. He served as Visiting Faculty at the Faculty of Law, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, for 19 years from 1997 to 2016 and as Visiting Faculty at National Law University, Jodhpur, for one year. He is also a Member of the Executive Committee of the Rajasthan Chapter of the Indian Law Institute.
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Centre extends LTC facility by two more years for employees to visit J&K, northeast
New Delhi, Sep 9: The Centre on Wednesday extended by two more years, a scheme to allow its employees to visit Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the northeast region on leave travel concession (LTC). In an order, the Personnel Ministry warned of appropriate action for any misuse of the LTC facility. Eligible central government employees get reimbursement of tickets for to and fro journeys, besides paid leave, when they avail LTC. The scheme allowing government servants to travel by air to northeast region, Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands is extended for a further period of two years, with effect from September 25, 2026 till September 25, 2028, the order said. All eligible government servants may avail LTC to visit any place in these regions against the conversion of their one home town LTC in a four-year block period, it said. Government servants not entitled to travel by air are also allowed to travel by air in economy class by any airlines to these areas, according to the order. Fresh recruits are also allowed conversion of one of the three home town LTCs in a block of four years, applicable to them to visit NER/A&N/J&K/Ladakh. In addition, they are allowed one additional conversion of home town LTC to visit UT of J&K/UT of Ladakh in a block of four years, said the order issued to the secretaries of all central government ministries. All the ministries and departments are advised to bring it to the notice of all their employees that any misuse of LTC will be viewed seriously and the employees will be liable for appropriate action under the rules, it said. In order to keep a check on any kind of misuse of LTC, ministries/departments are advised to randomly get some of the air tickets submitted by the officials verified from the airlines concerned with regard to the actual cost of air travel vis-a-vis the cost indicated on the air tickets submitted by the officials, the Personnel Ministry said.
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Div Com Kashmir chairs meeting to address issues related to Medicity project
Srinagar, Sep 9: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting to review and resolve issues related to the Medicity project. Besides Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior officers from the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, SIDCO, Industries & Commerce Deptt and Project Coordinator Sajad Nazir Shah attended the meeting. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the demarcation of land earmarked for the Medicity project, as well as 15-metre Right of Way/the buffer area between new Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Highcourt complex & Medicity. The Divisional Commissioner took note of the issues raised by the concerned departments and the executing agency and directed the officers to undertake a joint inspection of the site to resolve the matter of demarcation of allocated land. He further directed that revenue officers from the concerned departments be associated with the demarcation process to ensure that the land is demarcated strictly in accordance with the approved plan of 2021. Anshul Garg also stressed the need to ensure the requisite right of way to the Medicity project so that the implementation of the project proceeds smoothly and without further impediments. Meanwhile, DC Srinagar assured suppprt to facilitate the resolution of the issue at the earliest. Earlier, project coordinator apprised the chair regarding the approved plan of Medicity and Right of Way.
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Two arrested for raping of Class 7 student in J-Ks Poonch
Mendhar, Sep 9: A Class 7 student was allegedly raped by a cab driver and his friend in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Wednesday. Both accused were arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those pertaining to gangrape, kidnapping and wrongful confinement, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the officials said. They said a man lodged a complaint at Gursai police station late Wednesday afternoon, claiming that his daughter, a Class 7 student, while returning home boarded a cab driven by Zahoor Mushtaq alias Sonu who took her to his house along with his friend Mohd Irfan on September 6. The accused allegedly kept the girl in captivity for three days and raped her repeatedly, the officials said, quoting the complainant. Acting swiftly, the police arrested both the accused and further investigation is on, the officials said.
New Delhi, Sep 9: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK (Software Development Kit) and Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, enabling ecosystem partners to integrate, test and deploy Aadhaar Face Authentication more seamlessly within their digital applications. The Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK brings UIDAIs Face Authentication capability directly into native Android and iOS applications. It eliminates the need for users to switch between applications, enabling a smoother, single-app authentication experience. The ready-to-use SDK simplifies integration for ecosystem partners while incorporating AI/ML-based liveness and anti-spoofing capabilities. It also supports secure handling and encryption of authentication data and is designed to work across consumer smartphones. The SDK is expected to help government departments, banks, fintechs and other organisations deploy Face Authentication-enabled services more efficiently. Alongside the SDK, UIDAI also launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox, a secure and controlled environment that allows organisations to integrate, test and validate the complete Face Authentication journey before production onboarding. The Sandbox enables developers and quality assurance teams to test key stages, including user provisioning and consent, face capture, liveness checks, authentication, error handling, and response validation-- without requiring external biometric hardware. It also allows testing of failure scenarios such as invalid digital signatures, network interruptions, timeouts and spoofing attempts. The launch of the SDK and Sandbox fulfills a long-standing demand of the Fintech and banking ecosystem to build a seamless, and secure user onboarding journey from within the user bank/fintech organisations mobile application. It simplifies the journey. The user downloads only one app, say a banking/ insurance/ broking app and does Aadhaar authentication from within the app. Earlier, for a similar experience, a background app called FaceRD app was needed. This made the user onboarding journey longer and dependent on the presence of the Aadhaar FaceRD app. With this launch, it reduces the need for multiple apps for Aadhaar Face Authentication UIDAIs indigenously engineered AI/ML-driven Face Authentication solution, which was launched in 2021, has processed over 500 crore transactions and been adopted by nearly 200 entities, including Union Government ministries and departments, State Governments, Banks, NBFCs, telecom operators, brokerage firms and certifying authorities among others. The technology received the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 under the Innovation category. Face Authentication is widely used across services like submission of Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) by pensioners, Ayushman Bharat beneficiary onboarding, DBT schemes, Aadhaar-enabled payments, SIM activation through e-KYC, beneficiary authentication for schemes like PM e-Drive, PM Awas Yojana and PM Kisan etc. UIDAI also unveiled a Playbook on ease of Onboarding which will work as a guide for BFSI entities to get onboarded in the UIDAI authentication ecosystem for ID verification of its customers, staff, and other business partners.
Srinagar Smart City: A decade later, what has really changed? | Ep 1
More than a decade after the Smart City vision was launched, Srinagar has seen a dramatic transformationfrom walking plazas and underground wiring to e-buses and a revamped riverfront. But on the ground, broken pavements, waterlogging and questions over maintenance continue to frustrate traders and residents. In Episode 1 of our Srinagar Smart City series, we ask a simple question: Has the Smart City project truly made life smarter for people or is there still a long way to go? Report: Saqib Malik Camera: Mubashir Khan Edit: Afnan Habib
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Kashmir ideal destination for filmmaking: Spanish filmmaker at IFFJK
Srinagar, Sep 9: Spanish filmmaker and producer Anna Saura Ramon on Wednesday described Kashmir as an ideal destination for filmmaking, praising its scenic landscapes, lakes, natural light and hospitality while calling for stronger cinematic ties between India and Spain. Speaking to reporters on the third day of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, Saura, according to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said film festivals play an important role in promoting cinema and creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to discover films from different parts of the world. This is my vist to Kashmir and India. I hope to come again, Saura said, adding that she was looking forward to exploring Srinagar and experiencing the local culture. On the scope for collaboration between Indian and Spanish cinema, she said there were differences between the two industries, but language should not become a barrier to stronger artistic relationships. I think we can push for better relationships between India and Spain, she said, adding that there were opportunities for filmmakers from both countries to connect and work together. Talking about Kashmir as a filming destination, Saura said the Valley had immense potential for filmmakers because of its landscapes, lakes and quality of natural light. Of course, you have to promote Kashmir. There are great locations, good light for shooting and beautiful lakes, she said. Saura also said she had already shared pictures of Kashmir with a friend, who suggested that the Valley could be explored as a potential location for filmmaking. Asked whether she would consider casting Indian actors in a future India-Spain production, she said there was no reason why filmmakers could not work with actors from India. There are lots of Indian-Spanish films that you will like, she said. On the possibility of international studios and filmmakers coming to Kashmir, Saura said greater cooperation between governments and the film industry could help attract productions to the region. I am sure they will come and shoot here and make a movie, she said. Reacting to IFFJK, Saura described it as a major initiative and expressed hope that the festival would have a long life. It is important for everyone, she said, adding that such festivals provide an opportunity to bring films and filmmakers from outside and expose local audiences to international cinema. Saura also praised the atmosphere and hospitality in Kashmir, saying her first visit to India, particularly to Kashmir, had been a positive experience. Saura is known for her work as a producer and director, including the documentary The Kid in the Photo.
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New Delhi, Sep 9: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the National Investigation Agency whether Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, who is in jail in a terror funding case, could be released on bail with stringent conditions. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan asked the NIA counsel to get instructions on the issue and listed the matter on November 3. The bench said there was no doubt that Rashid was an influential person as he has become a member of Parliament. The court is putting to you -- the biggest threat from him is his physical presence in Kashmir because he has a lot of local influence. Suppose there is stringent condition that he will remain only in Delhi, what is your (NIA) response? That he will find a place of residence and remain only in Delhi, the court said. NIA counsel to take instructions on whether the applicant (Rashid) can be released on bail under stringent conditions, including the condition to remain in Delhi, the bench added. It noted that he has been in custody for almost seven years and there are a total of 240 witnesses in the case and the trial would take a long time to conclude. The court was hearing arguments on Rashids plea seeking bail in the terror case lodged under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. During the hearing, NIAs counsel opposed the bail contending that there was sufficient evidence on record to show that Rashid was prima facie guilty. He argued that the allegations made against Rashid were serious in nature and he has allegedly engaged in anti-national activities, funded stone-pelters after receiving funds from Pakistan and also engaged in hate speech. Rashid was earlier granted interim bail to attend the ceremonies related to his fathers demise. Rashid is facing trial in the terror-funding case. He faces allegations that he funded separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after the NIA arrested him in the 2017 case. After he was named in a chargesheet in October 2019, a special NIA court framed charges against Rashid and others in March 2022 under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code and under relevant provisions of the stringent UAPA.
Labourer dies in wall collapse at crusher unit in Mendhar
Mendhar, Sep 9: A 50-year-old labourer died after sustaining serious injuries in a wall collapse incident at a crusher unit in Uchhad area of Mendhar in Poonch district on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Tasaduq Hussain, son of Said Mohammad, resident of Chatral village of Rajouri, who was working as a labourer at the crusher unit. According to reports, a cemented wall at the crusher unit suddenly collapsed, leaving Hussain injured. He was immediately shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Mendhar for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. After completion of necessary medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to the legal heirs for last rites. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further proceedings are underway.
Rotten chicken, fish seized in Ladakh's Nubra, shopkeepers warned of strict action
Nubra, Sep 9: The Ladakh administration on Wednesday warned traders against selling rotten or otherwise unfit non-vegetarian food items, after a large quantity of rotten chicken and fish was seized from a shop in Diskit market of Nubra district. An official said that acting on a report regarding the sale of rotten chicken and fish in Diskit Market, Tehsildar Diskit, Tashi Jorgais, issued an order under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing the immediate removal and disposal of the unfit food items. As per the order, a shopkeeper, Bilal Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed Bhat, resident of Kulgam, Srinagar, was found engaged in the sale and supply of rotten chicken and fish at his shop, Bilal Chicken Shop, located at Diskit, Nubra. The food items were found unfit for human consumption and posed a serious threat to public health. The order directed that the rotten chicken and fish stored or displayed for sale be removed and disposed of immediately in accordance with the prescribed procedure. It further directed that no rotten, stale or otherwise unfit food items shall be stored, displayed or sold in the market in future. The official said the seized food items were subsequently disposed of safely and in accordance with the prescribed procedure, ensuring that they posed no risk or danger to human beings or animals. The disposal was carried out in the presence of the TSO Diskit, Chhering Tundup, FCS&CA Department, a Patwari from the Revenue Department, police personnel and sanitary inspectors. The Tehsildar also warned that any failure to comply with the order or any recurrence of such violations would invite appropriate action under the relevant provisions of law, official added.
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Colombo, Sep 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade should remain pivotal priorities as they are crucial for the growth and prosperity of South Asia. Singh made the remarks at a public event after he held an extremely productive meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during which they reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka would continue to work jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. Speaking on 'India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region-Civilisational Partners with intertwined destinies in Colombo, Singh also said that Indian and Sri Lankan ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while their maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity of the region. Together, India and Sri Lanka are well positioned to serve as the closest partners in safeguarding peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region, he said. Singh, who arrived in Colombo on Tuesday for a three-day visit, becoming the first Indian defence minister to visit Sri Lanka in 38 years, said that freedom of navigation and ensuring open trade routes are crucial for the growth and prosperity of the region. Therefore, secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, unhindered maritime trade and commerce should remain our pivotal priorities, he said. It is essential that we work together towards shaping a favourable, secure maritime environment, remaining ready to address emerging maritime challenges in the first instance, before they become a serious threat to our developmental interests and the bright future of our region, he said. Singh said that Sri Lanka occupies a salient strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region, overlooking a vast ocean characterised by crisscrossing busy trade routes. These routes are not only the arteries for global trade, but also determine the trajectory of our growth and development as well as the safety and security of our region, he said. Today, the Indian Ocean is not merely a waterway, but the stage on which the economic and strategic future of our region will be written, he said. For India and Sri Lanka, both maritime nations bound by this shared ocean, this is not a matter of abstract theory but of lived, everyday reality one that shapes our trade, our security and our destinies alike, he said. Sri Lanka, like India, is undoubtedly central to any strategic discourse on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the minister said. In Sri Lanka, India sees a friendly neighbour, a longstanding friend and a reliable partner. India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation is thus not only mutually beneficial but quintessential to our collective safety and security, Singh said. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Indian Ocean has come to occupy a place of immense contemporary relevance. As emerging economies and fellow democracies, we have a shared future, he said. Singh said India would be delighted to share its experience and work closely with Sri Lanka for the continued growth and prosperity of the region. Our development projects in Sri Lanka are always focused on the requirements of the people of Sri Lanka and the priorities set by the Sri Lankan Government. As the Indian Ocean is entering into a period of profound strategic and economic transformation, India and Sri Lanka must synergise their efforts and build upon our collective competencies to tackle the emerging challenges, the minister said. Our ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while our maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity not only of our own people but our region as well. The future of IndiaSri Lanka relations should therefore be based on a simple premise that proximity creates interdependence, which in turn creates immense opportunities for a shared evolution, he said, terming Sri Lanka a trusted global friend. On the fishermen issue, Singh said the two countries need to work together to address fisheries disputes in a mutually beneficial manner, keeping in view the relevant laws and geographic jurisdictions. We need to work together to strengthen our systems to avoid fisheries disputes, handle them with due care and concern as this is a livelihood issue, while at the same time ensure maritime law enforcement, he said. I foresee a future where our two countries move forward as joint stakeholders in developing a mutually beneficial and integrated maritime domain awareness system to provide comprehensive maritime information on a real-time basis. This would entail systematic cooperation and interaction amongst concerned agencies, navies and Coast Guards of the two countries with a view to addressing the challenges of illegal fishing, suspicious vessel tracking, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other security threats, he said. India is always willing to join hands with Sri Lanka in areas like capacity building and exercises, Singh said, adding that India is also committed to assisting Sri Lanka in whichever way possible to further enhance such cooperation. He said that going beyond the traditional template, the two countries need to build upon the existing complementarities and develop new paradigms for a closer and stronger maritime partnership. This is the basis of MAHASAGAR, Prime Minister Modis vision for the Indian Ocean Region. Mutual and Holistic are key words in this concept, underscoring the importance of synergy, cooperation and collaboration, he said. Our two countries can establish a joint maritime HADR system by involving all concerned agencies, disaster management and scientific organisations to cooperate and provide rapid response in cases of natural calamities and man-made disasters, he said. Singh said maritime cooperation should include, in addition to the security framework, an institutionalised structure for deepening and strengthening an economic framework in areas including fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, maritime environment protection and preservation and maritime tourism.
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J&K HC bins discharge order, says secessionist slogans alongside separatist leader attract UAPA
Srinagar, Sep 9: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has set aside the discharge of an accused in a UAPA case stating that secessionist sloganeering in a mob in the presence of the head of a banned separatist organisation prima facie falls under the definition of unlawful activity. A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar set aside the discharge of Mohammad Yousuf Lone in a 2013 UAPA case by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (Designated Special Court under NIA Act) Kupwara. The sloganeering for secession, raised by an accused leading a mob in the company of the head of a proscribed separatist organisation, coupled with incitement of the public and violence against security forces, is capable, on a prima facie appreciation, of falling squarely within this definition, the bench observed in its order. According to the case, a mob headed by Mohammad Yousuf Lone and Late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the banned Hurriyat Conference, came out of Jamia Masjid in Kupwara on November 8, 2013, raised anti-national slogans against the Government of India, and pelted stones at police and security forces. The separatist leaders also allegedly instigated the general public against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union of India, according to the chargesheet. The trial court has recorded, in a single sentence in paragraph 6 of the order impugned, that the facts 'do not fulfil the ingredients of Sections 2(o) of ULA(P) Act' without setting out the reasoning by which the specific statements or conduct attributed to the respondent in the chargesheet were tested against the statutory definition. This amounts to a bare conclusion rather than a reasoned finding, the high court said. It said the material with chargesheet -- including the recorded slogans, the leadership role attributed to the respondent, and the resultant violence -- discloses a strong suspicion sufficient to put the respondent on trial, leaving the question of whether the charges are ultimately proved to be examined at trial and not foreclosed at the threshold. It is trite that an order of discharge must reflect application of judicial mind to the material on record, and that the findings at the charge stage, though summary, cannot be conclusory. However, it is abundantly clear from perusal of the order impugned that the same does not indicate that the specific contents of the chargesheet, the statements of the witnesses to the procession, the site plan, and the material, alleged to link the respondent to the incitement and the resultant violence, were tested against the ingredients of Section 13 read with Section 2(o) of the UAPA before the conclusion of non-applicability was recorded. On this ground, the order impugned is unsustainable and calls for interference, it added. The court said it is neither making any definitive finding on the guilt or innocence of the respondent, nor expressing any opinion on the ultimate merits of the case. However, when specific material is brought on record that, on the face of it, discloses the commission of an offence and the complicity of the respondent, the trial court cannot act as a mute spectator and shut the doors of trial without assigning valid legal reasons, it added. Allowing the criminal appeal filed by the state, the high court directed that the chargesheet be restored and the trial court proceed with the framing of charge against the respondent afresh after considering the material placed on record by the appellant.
Allies NC, Congress at loggerheads over full rendition of Vande Mataram at J&K film festival
Srinagar, Sep 9: Tensions appear to be growing within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance, with the National Conference pushing back against ally Congress on Wednesday over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. The National Conference (NC) said it was a statutory obligation to play the full national song at a state event and that no one would be forced to sing. The controversy erupted after the unabridged version of the national song was played at the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah on Monday. The Congress, which provides outside support to the NC-led government in the Union territory and shares a broader national alignment under the opposition INDIA bloc, publicly expressed strong disapproval over the incident. The Congress has six MLAs in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Responding to the criticism, NC chief spokesperson Tanveer Sadiq told reporters that government protocol must be separated from party ideology. The National Conference has a clear stance. When Parliament has adopted it, playing Vande Mataram becomes a statutory obligation and that is what the government did, Sadiq said. Chief ministers in non-BJP states like Telangana and Karnataka have also played the complete version of Vande Mataram at official functions, he said. As far as the party's stand is concerned, anyone who wants to sing Vande Mataram can do so and no one will be forced, he added. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah later shared Sadiq's statements on X. On Tuesday, Congress general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal posted a video of the IFFJK on X, asserting that the unabridged version of Vande Mataram sits uneasily with the syncretic and pluralist ethos that our freedom fighters envisioned and nurtured for India. He urged alliance partners to honour the Congress' historical 1937 working committee resolution, which adopted a truncated version of the song to respect India's religious diversity and conscience. Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra on Wednesday expressed concern over the NC's move, stating that national symbols must reflect India's constitutional temperament. The adopted version represented a conscious balance, preserving historic significance while remaining sensitive to India's plural ethos, Karra wrote on X. National symbols acquire greater dignity when they accommodate Indias diversity, not when that diversity is asked to accommodate them, he said. NC spokesperson Sadiq tagged Karra in a post on X in which he shared videos of Independence Day functions in Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana where the full version of Vande Mataram was played. Jenab Tariq Karra saheb, please take a look at your Congress CMs and share your valuable thoughts with everyone. Thank you! Sadiq said.
India to debut in eleven new skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
Delhi, Sep 09: India is set to expand its global skills footprint with first-time participation in eleven new skill categories at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, to be held in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026. Team Skill India will participate in 63 out of 64 skills, with a contingent of nearly 70 competitors, making it one of Indias largest and most diverse representations at WorldSkills to date. The eleven new skills in which India will compete for the first time are Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing and Heavy Vehicle Technology, Aircraft Maintenance. Indias participation in these new categories reflects the growing depth and maturity of the countrys skilling ecosystem, which is expanding from strong foundations in traditional trades to advanced technologies, specialised services, creative industries and next-generation industrial capabilities. The participation is being led under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) driving Indias WorldSkills preparation through close collaboration with industry partners, training institutions and domain experts. Speaking on Indias participation, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, said, Indias participation in these new skills reflects the evolution of our skilling ecosystem towards future-facing and globally relevant capabilities. Through strong partnerships and rigorous preparation, we are enabling our youth to compete with confidence and benchmark themselves against global standards. The new categories represent emerging areas that are shaping the future of work, including healthcare technologies, digital design, intelligent systems, drone technologies, advanced manufacturing, mobility solutions and customer-centric services. Their inclusion underlines Indias focus on aligning skill development with global industry requirements and creating pathways for youth in internationally benchmarked skill domains. Preparation for these first-time categories is being supported by a collaborative ecosystem of specialised training institutions and industry partners, including Government Tool Room and Training Centre (GTTC), Karnataka; Metrowoods Landscape; NAMTECH, Gandhinagar; Bennett University; Croma; Titan Company Ltd Tanishq; Shoppers Stop; Reliance Trends; SANY Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd.; Prakhar Software Solutions Ltd.; and Denexpert Dental Lab, among others. Indias performance in global skill competitions has shown steady progress over the years. From being ranked 29th at WorldSkills in 2015, India rose to 13th position in 2024. The country further strengthened its international performance by securing 8th rank in Asia at WorldSkills Asia 2025 and winning five medals at the Taipei Capital Cup 2026. Under the Skill India Mission, India is building a strong preparation ecosystem anchored in industry partnerships, expert-led mentoring, structured training and global exposure. The expanded participation at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 marks another step in Indias journey towards establishing itself as a global hub for skilled talent. Addendum Intelligent Security Technology focuses on planning, installing and maintaining intelligent systems that protect people, infrastructure and assets through technologies such as AI-enabled surveillance, intelligent sensors and automated response mechanisms. Landscape Gardening brings together design, construction and environmental understanding to create sustainable and functional spaces that balance creativity with practical application. Optoelectronic Technology represents a fast-growing field that combines the science of light and electricity and finds applications across advanced manufacturing, healthcare, communication systems and intelligent technologies. Digital Interactive Media Design focuses on creating immersive and interactive digital experiences across platforms through the integration of design, content and emerging technologies. Retail Sales reflects the growing importance of customer engagement and experience-led business models by emphasising product knowledge, communication, merchandising and service excellence. Heavy Vehicle Technology highlights the increasing sophistication of mobility and industrial systems by requiring advanced diagnostic, repair and maintenance capabilities. Unmanned Aerial Systems showcases the expanding role of drone technologies across sectors ranging from infrastructure and agriculture to public services, monitoring and emerging autonomous applications. Dental Prosthetics focuses on designing and producing specialised dental devices like Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dentures that restore oral function and improve quality of life through precision and healthcare expertise. Industrial Mechanics centres on precision assembly, maintenance, troubleshooting and optimisation of complex industrial machinery and production systems. Software Testing plays a critical role in ensuring software quality, reliability and user performance through rigorous testing and validation processes. Aircraft Maintenance centres on precision inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, and rigorous airworthiness certification of mechanical, electrical, fluid, and structural aircraft systems to guarantee absolute safety and regulatory compliance.
Salman Sagar apologises over Tanvir Sadiqs one pair of trousers remark
Srinagar, Sep 09: National Conference leader and MLA Salman Sagar on Wednesday apologised on behalf of party colleague Tanvir Sadiq over his controversial remarks that, during the time of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, poverty in Kashmir was so severe that an entire village would sometimes share a single pair of trousers. If anyones sentiments have been hurt, or rather, if the majority of people feel that Tanvir Sadiq Sahib said something wrong, then I believe there should be an apology, Sagar said. He said Sadiqs remarks were not intended to demean Kashmiris, but were meant to highlight Sheikh Abdullahs efforts towards the economic empowerment of the people. What he meant was that Sheikh Abdullah had made efforts towards the economic empowerment of the people here, Sagar said, referring to education, infrastructure and land reforms.
Sagar apologises on Tanvirs behalf, says issue should not be dragged further
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Every School, A Model School: PM SHRI scheme targets 14,500 exemplar schools; 13,092 selected so far
New Delhi, Sep 09: The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme has made significant progress towards its target of developing more than 14,500 existing schools as exemplar institutions aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with 13,092 schools selected across 36 States and Union Territories as of July 2026. Launched on September 7, 2022, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, with a total project cost of 27,360 crore for the period 202223 to 202627. The initiative seeks to transform selected schools into model institutions by strengthening infrastructure, pedagogy, inclusion and sustainability, while equipping students with 21st-century skills. The selected schools are also envisaged as mentor institutions for neighbouring schools, sharing best practices through mentoring, handholding, collaboration and clustering. According to the Ministry, the 13,092 selected schools represent around 90 per cent of the schemes envisaged target and are expected to directly benefit more than 20 lakh students. The network includes schools under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The scheme has a Central share of 18,128 crore. The approved Project Approval Board outlay increased from 2,520 crore in 202324 to 5,224 crore in 202627, marking an increase of around 107 per cent. PM SHRI schools are designed to promote inclusive, equitable and joyful learning, with emphasis on experiential and learner-centred education. They also focus on green and sustainable practices, quality infrastructure, improved learning outcomes, technology-enabled education and exposure to future-ready skills. The initiative promotes experiential learning through activities such as bagless days, internships with local artisans, study of local arts and traditions, and preservation of indigenous knowledge. It also encourages the use of mother tongue and local or regional languages, particularly in the early grades. Technology-enabled learning is another key component, with schools being supported through ICT facilities, smart classrooms, internet connectivity, digital learning platforms and STEM-based programmes. These interventions aim to strengthen digital literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students. The PM SHRI network currently covers 725 districts and 8,340 blocks/ULBs. Of the 13,092 selected schools, 1,305 are primary, 3,102 upper primary, 3,141 secondary and 5,544 higher secondary schools. The network also includes 80 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, 913 KVS schools, 620 NVS schools and four NCERT schools. Selection of schools is carried out through a three-stage Challenge Mode based on prescribed quality benchmarks. The process involves signing of an MoU with the Centre, identification of eligible schools using UDISE+ data, and selection through a challenge-based assessment followed by physical verification. For the Challenge Method, schools in urban areas are required to secure a minimum score of 70 per cent, while those in rural areas require at least 60 per cent. The assessment covers infrastructure, learning outcomes, pedagogy, PM POSHAN, vocational education, green initiatives and stakeholder commitment. The scheme also focuses on strengthening teacher capacity and school leadership through professional development programmes. Principals receive training in educational leadership and school management, while teachers are trained in areas including competency-based pedagogy, ICT integration, school safety and the Holistic Progress Card. The government envisages PM SHRI schools as institutions that demonstrate and disseminate innovative educational practices that can be replicated by neighbouring schools, creating a wider impact on the school education system and advancing the vision of an equitable, inclusive and future-ready India.
Srinagar, Sep 09: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has nominated four Administrative Secretaries as nodal officers for key themes to be taken up at the 6th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, scheduled to be held in December 2026. The nominations have been approved through Government Order No. 1496-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department on September 8, 2026. According to the government order, the Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department has been designated as the nodal officer for the theme concerning five specific priority objectives for each State towards the attainment of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Administrative Secretary, Mining Department has been assigned the theme of development of the mining sector towards economic development and better State finances. For the theme Technology in Governance, the Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department has been nominated as the nodal officer. Meanwhile, the Administrative Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department will coordinate the theme Good Practices/New Ideas for Expediting Linear Infrastructure Projects. The order states that the concerned departments shall coordinate with the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department and facilitate the timely collection, compilation and finalisation of the requisite inputs for the conference. The 6th National Conference of Chief Secretaries is expected to focus on key governance and development priorities, including mining, infrastructure, technology-driven governance and implementation of reform-oriented initiatives. The government has also forwarded copies of the order to senior officials, including the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Mining Department; Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Public Works (R&B) Department; Commissioner/Secretary, Information Technology Department; Commissioner/Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, besides other concerned authorities. The order was issued by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, on behalf of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)
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Goods train wagon derails in J-K's Kathua, rail traffic disrupted for hours
Jammu, Sep 09: Rail traffic on the Jammu-Kathua link was disrupted for several hours on Wednesday after a wagon of a goods train derailed at Chhan Arorian railway station in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The derailment occurred around 9:30 am. The vital route connects Jammu and Kashmir with other parts of the country. Railway authorities and officials reached the spot soon after the incident and initiated an assessment of the situation. The derailed wagon was subsequently moved aside, clearing the track for resumption of rail traffic around noon, the officials said. No damage to railway property has been reported. The incident is being investigated and the exact cause of the derailment is being ascertained, they said.
Vande Mataram respect at govt functions a statutory obligation: Tanvir Sadiq
Kashmiri Pandit PMRP employees protest, demand secure accommodation, warn of hunger strike
Party position, govt obligation are separate: Tanvir Sadiq on Vande Mataram
Srinagar, Sep 9: Senior National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday said respecting Vande Mataram at government functions was a statutory obligation, while maintaining that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the national song. Sadiq was responding to criticism over the issue, with the Congress also facing criticism and the BJP alleging that the party had an anti-Pakistan, pro-Pakistan tendency. National Conference has always had a stated position. We have neither adopted a two-stance nor have we ever adopted a six-stance. We understand that the party is separate and the government is a different thing, Sadiq said. He said that once the matter had been accepted by Parliament, it became an obligation for the government to follow it at official functions. When it has been accepted in Parliament, then it becomes a statutory obligation of the government that at any government function, whether it is the Vande Mataram song or the anthem, one has to stand and respect it, and that is what we are doing, Sadiq said. He pointed to the participation of Congress chief ministers in Karnataka and Telangana in Independence Day events, saying they too had stood through the song. If that is the case, before pointing a finger at us, this is a statutory obligation which has become law, and we have to follow that law, he said. At the same time, Sadiq reiterated the National Conferences position that no one should be forced to sing Vande Mataram. As far as the partys own position is concerned, we have always said that whoever wants to sing Vande Mataram should absolutely sing it, but there should be no force or compulsion on anyone who does not want to sing it, he said. On reports that only around Rs 2,400 crore out of an allocation of nearly Rs 10,000-11,000 crore under the Jammu and Kashmir UT budget had been utilised, with around Rs 8,000 crore still pending, Sadiq said he did not have information about the figures. Off hand, I do not know about this. The Finance Department would know about it because you have shared this matter with us. Let us bring some information on it and see what the reality is, because a lot of rumours are spreading these days. It is better that we bring some input first and then share it with you, he said. Asked about the demands of daily wagers ahead of the Assembly session and the ongoing strike by National Health Mission employees, Sadiq said the government wanted to resolve genuine demands. Just as the issue of interns was a very big issue, the Honourable Health Minister resolved it. This government will always want that whatever genuine demands its people have, whether they are employees or anyone else in Jammu and Kashmir, should be resolved in some way, he said. Sadiq said the upcoming Assembly session would provide a platform for raising issues concerning people. Now the Assembly is coming. There are many things. It is a platform where peoples voices are raised, he said. We hope that peoples issues are raised, their bills are passed, resolutions are passed, and some resolution is reached on the important work concerning the people. That is why we will be in the Assembly, Sadiq added.
Can Dairy Cause Acne? Dermatologist Answers
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Ladakh tourism reaching new heights as over 4 lakh tourists visit in 2026: LG Saxena
Ladakh, Sep 09: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday said that tourism in the Union Territory has reached new heights, with 4.05 lakh visitors visiting the hilly region in the first eight months of 2026. This year-on-year tourism growth is a testament to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji's vision for promoting domestic tourism and the Centre's sustained push for infrastructure development, along with the tourism-friendly policy framework in Ladakh, the LG said. Sharing statistics on his X handle, Saxena said that in just eight months of 2026, Ladakh received 4.05 lakh visitors, surpassing the entire 2025 tourist footfall of 3.35 lakh by 20.61 percent. Comparing last year's figures with those of 2026, he said Ladakh witnessed a 50.37 percent growth in tourist arrivals this year. Ladakh received 2.69 lakh tourists between January and August 2025, which rose to 4.05 lakh during January to August 2026, an increase of 50.37%, he said. The total tourist footfall of 45,201 in August 2025 increased to 74,753 in August 2026, marking a jump of 65.38 percent, he shared. Giving further details, he said Ladakh received 25,082 foreign tourists between January and August 2025, which rose to 33,346 during the same period in 2026, marking an increase of 32.95 percent. The numbers reflect the phenomenal surge in tourism, the LG said. Saxena reaffirmed his commitment to building a sustainable, responsible and year-round tourism economy in Ladakh. By promoting off-season festivals and events, we are creating sustained livelihood opportunities for our local youth, artisans and homestays, while offering visitors a peaceful, less crowded and affordable experience, he said. He appealed to all travellers to come and explore the unmatched beauty and culture of Ladakh.
'Yazar' remark: BJP JK unit holds protests in Srinagar, Anantnag against Tanvir Sadiq
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Iron transporting protein may help early diagnosis of heart disease, says study
New Delhi, Sep 09: Lower levels of serotransferrin, the blood protein that transports iron through the body, are an early indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD) and can help identify heart conditions earlier than routine clinical diagnoses, say scientists. Iron deficiency is prevalent in patients of CAD, a common cardiovascular condition characterised by a narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, primarily resulting from an accumulation of plaque or fatty deposits. An analysis of blood serum proteins by Delhis Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) has revealed the critical role of serotransferrin in identifying cardiac disease. Serotransferrin may have value as an early diagnostic marker, meaning it could potentially help identify CAD earlier than routine clinical diagnosis, Sagarika Biswas, corresponding author on the study, told PTI. A deeper understanding of how CAD develops is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and therapeutics, the IGIB researchers said. Serotransferrin, found in previous studies to contribute to CAD, presents a potential avenue for investigation, they said. Exploring molecular and cellular processes related to serotransferrin may help shed light on how CAD develops and identify new targets for treatment, the team said. Of the total 197 differentially expressed proteins, serotransferrin (TF), an iron transporter, showed downregulation in samples from CAD patients compared to healthy, the authors wrote in the study published in the journal Acta Cardiologica. Downregulation means lower than normal levels The study, involving 50 CAD patients and 40 healthy people, also showed an increased level of the cardiac marker 'troponin I' among those affected by the heart disorder, demonstrating an inverse relationship with serotransferrin levels. Troponin I is a specialised protein present in heart muscle cells, a damage or injury to which causes the protein to leak and enter the bloodstream. TF (serotransferrin) protein was significantly associated with CAD progression and inversely correlated with cTnI (troponin I), suggesting it (serotransferrin) could be a potential therapeutic target pending further molecular and clinical investigation, the authors said. Longitudinal studies would be required to estimate the duration in years before which serotransferrin could help identify CAD, explained Biswas, former distinguished chief scientist and professor at CSIR-IGIB's department of integrative and functional biology. The study linked reduced levels of serotransferrin with the inflammatory environment created due to damage in the inner lining of arteries, which leads to an immune response against the accumulated fatty deposits. According to Biswas, worsening ischaemia -- local anaemia due to a reduced blood flow caused by narrowed or blocked vessels -- and tissue injury can increase troponin I, whereas inflammatory and metabolic stress may suppress serotransferrin expression or availability in CAD. Further, levels of serotransferrin can reflect iron status in an individual. In standard iron studies, transferrin saturation below 20 per cent is commonly taken as evidence of iron deficiency, meaning less than 20 per cent of transferrin's binding sites are occupied by iron, Biswas said. Transferrin refers to the family of iron-binding proteins, while serotransferrin is a subtype found in blood serum and plasma. A region on a protein's surface to which another molecule attaches itself is a binding site. Serotransferrin is an iron-transport protein, so a lower level suggests (a) reduced iron-binding and transport capacity. The protein may contribute to the functional iron deficiency component of CAD by limiting plasma iron transport, but the study did not quantify its contribution as a percentage, Biswas said in response to a question.
Terror module run by ex-terrorist in hybrid mode busted: Handwara Police
Srinagar, Sep 09: Jammu and Kashmir Police said it has busted a terror module associated with the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), allegedly run by an ex-terrorist operating in hybrid mode in north Kashmirs Handwara. In a statement, an official spokesperson said that Handwara Police received reliable information regarding the activities of an ex-terrorist who was operating as a hybrid terrorist as part of a module of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in the HandwaraKupwara area. Acting swiftly on the information, Handwara Police, along with 21 RR and 92 Bn CRPF, launched a joint operation at the identified location in Handwara town. Following a meticulous security drill, the accused was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd Sultan Bhat resident of Kruhmura Handwara, the statement said During his apprehension, one Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession, it added. Pertainantly, as per the police statementy, the arrested individual is an ex-terrorist who had previously been arrested by Police in two cases. A case FIR number 232 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Handwara, and further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the module, its network and other associated activities, police said.
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ACB traps Treasury clerk for demanding, accepting Rs 20,000 bribe
Rajouri, Sept 09: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday trapped and arrested a clerk posted at Government Treasury Kalakot for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. An official said that the accused clerk, identified as Khadam Hussain, was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from a complainant. The official said that following a complaint regarding the alleged demand for illegal gratification, the ACB laid a trap and apprehended the accused during the transaction. He said the accused was taken into custody and a case has been registered in the matter, while further investigation is underway.(KNO)
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati sworn in as chief Justice of J-K High Court
Srinagar, Sep 09: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. LG Saxena- who has been appointed to discharge the functions of J&K LG during Manoj Sinhas leave -administered the oath at the Shalimar auditorium of ShereKashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir. The ceremony began with the rendition of the national song, followed by the National Anthem. Later, the Registrar General of the High Court read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India. After the reading of the warrant, the LG administered the oath to the Chief Justice, with both signing the oath roll papers. The LG then handed over the warrant of appointment to Justice Bhati. The function concluded with the rendition of the national song and the National Anthem. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, cabinet ministers, High Court judges, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and other senior bureaucrats and police officers(KNO)
Report says Australian study finds 31 rugby league players with brain disease CTE
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. says a study has found that 31 rugby league players have been diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
Man dies after falling unconscious at Jammu police post, family stages protest
Jammu, Sep 09: A 32-year-old man died after he allegedly fell unconscious at a border police post in R S Pura sector near here early Wednesday, official sources said. The deceased, Uttam Chand, a resident of Rakh village, was called to the Chakroi police post following a complaint filed by a woman neighbour over a property dispute, the sources said quoting the preliminary information. They said the individual fell unconscious and was subsequently taken to the Sub-district Hospital R S Pura at around 4 am. Chand was referred to Government Medical College Jammu but died on way to the hospital, the sources said, adding the body was shifted to a mortuary for postmortem. Following the death, the family members and relatives of the deceased staged a protest, demanding clarity over the circumstances leading to the man's death and seeking appropriate action. Senior police officers have rushed to the spot, while additional personnel have been deployed both at Chakroi and at the hospital mortuary to maintain law and order, the sources said.
What was Kashmir like before turmoil | The Kashmir They Remember | Episode 1: Tahir Mohiuddin
What was Kashmir like before the turmoil, when newspapers shaped public debate, and Srinagars lakes, rivers and culture looked very different? In the first episode of The Kashmir They Remember, veteran journalist and Chattan editor Tahir Mohiuddin takes us through a lifetime in Kashmir from earning his first salary of Rs 100 and launching Chattan in 1985 to witnessing the Valleys political, social and cultural transformation. He recalls his stand against indefinite strikes, his encounters with leaders across the political spectrum, the changing face of journalism, the Kashmir he remembers and what he fears Kashmir may be losing. A conversation about memory, journalism, change and a Kashmir that once was. Host: Saqib Malik Camera: Mubashir Khan
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Midnight blaze destroys three houses, leaves six families homeless in Central Kashmir's Budgam
Khansahib, Sep 09: Three residential houses were completely gutted in a fire that broke out during the midnight hours at Khan Mohalla in Gurwait area of Khansahib in Budgam district, leaving six families homeless. The blaze engulfed the houses during the night and caused extensive damage to the residential structures, along with household belongings and other property kept inside. The fire prompted residents to rush to the spot as the blaze spread through the locality. Locals joined efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from causing further damage to surrounding properties. The destruction of the three houses has left six families without their homes, with their household possessions also damaged in the blaze. The incident has caused substantial disruption for the affected families, who were left without shelter following the complete damage to their residences. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a case. [KNT]
An inspection at an IRCTC-linked supplier in Kurla found cockroaches in storage and processing areas, uncovered food, food preparation near open garbage, among other deficiencies, an official release said.
Fire damages four residential houses in Budgams Gurweth Kalan
Tylenol use in pregnancy may be linked with uterus, ovary changes in daughters
A recent study suggests Tylenol use by mothers during pregnancy may affect infant reproductive organ development. Researchers observed smaller ovaries and uteruses in three-month-old girls exposed to the drug. This exposure was also linked to fewer ovarian follicles and lower reproductive hormone levels. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine implications for future fertility and menopause timing. Current guidelines still recommend Tylenol as safe for pregnancy pain and fever relief.
New food pop-up in Mumbai is celebrating Tamil and Malaysian food this September
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Australia reintroduced digging mammals; 8 years later, underground insects changed
US military says it destroyed 5 Iranian oil tankers; Tehran hits back at American targets in Jordan
Washington, Sep 09: The US military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to the latest attacks on its warships and Tehran hit back at American targets in Jordan, the latest burst of back-and-forth strikes that have lurched the sides back toward open hostilities in a more than six-month-old war. Following the American strikes, Iran launched missiles toward US targets in Jordan, Iranian state-run media said. Jordan's military said its air defence systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles launched toward its territory and two others fell in places where no one lives. It said it has no reports of casualties. Jordan is a staunch US ally that hosts American forces, making the kingdom's military bases a target of repeated Iranian strikes. US Central Command said it had no information to offer. The latest strikes are part of a dual economic and military approach by President Donald Trump as he struggles to bring an end to the war. The Trump administration on Tuesday also imposed sanctions on additional elements of Iran's aviation industry, targeting more than two dozen commercial and private airlines as well as foreign cargo service providers, in its new push to isolate Tehran from its remaining trading partners. Both the US and Iran are seeking to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world's oil passed before the war began. Rising energy prices are posing political problems for Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. A barrel of international standard Brent crude briefly climbed as high as $99.46 on Tuesday. The US forces also destroyed three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday after Iran's Revolutionary Guards tried to attack a US aircraft carrier and destroyer with ballistic missiles, warning that it would, if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet. Iran later said it planned to announce a new exclusion zone near the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels intending to transit. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US will not allow Iran's attacks to go unanswered. Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships. And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers. And I think you'll see that again today, Rubio told reporters on Tuesday when asked about the latest attacks in Iran while on a trip to Colombia. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, warned that such back-and-forth strikes can only risk more retaliation and further impact on the global economy. There is no kinetic solution to the Strait of Hormuz problem, he said on social media. Every attempt to impose one only brings Washington and Tehran closer to an escalation that may become increasingly difficult to control. US Central Command said the military struck the tankers on Tuesday after the Revolutionary Guards targeted a Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The US warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and continued to patrol regional waters. No American personnel were harmed, it said in a statement. It said the Iranian tankers destroyed on Tuesday were the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1 and the Riesco in the Gulf of Oman. The US military also destroyed the vessel Derya, which was located near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement said the crews of the five vessels were told to abandon ship before the attacks. Iranian state television also reported the US strikes, saying US forces attacked Iranian oil tankers near the southern port of Jask and near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. It said the crews were evacuated. An Iranian state TV reporter in Jask said an Iranian tanker was struck near the coast of Yekbeni. State TV later reported that the US military attacked a second tanker near waters off Jask. Separately, state television reported that another Iranian tanker was attacked in the Kharg Island anchorage area. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy on Tuesday had warned crews of oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave their vessels, saying the ships could be targeted in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian tankers. It accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting US forces and assisting in the attacks. A US blockade of Iranian ports has squeezed the country's economy by limiting its oil exports, while the American military has been helping a limited number of ships transit on a route through the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. Tehran wants ships to follow a route that it chooses through the strait, which was considered an international waterway before the war.
Traffic advisory issued for oath ceremony Of Chief Justice in Srinagar today
Srinagar, Sep 09: Traffic Police City Srinagar has issued a traffic advisory for the oath ceremony of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. According to the advisory, the oath ceremony is scheduled to be held at Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST Kashmir, Srinagar today at 11:00 AM. In view of the ceremony, motorists intending to travel from Harwan-Shalimar-Nishat and other adjacent areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to travel via Foreshore route to reach their respective destinations. Similarly, those intending to travel towards Nishat, Shalimar and Harwan have been advised to adopt Foreshore Road via Shalimar Bridge. The police said that no vehicle shall be allowed towards SKUAST Kashmir and no vehicle shall move towards Shalimar via Ishber during the period. The advisory will remain in force for two hours from 10 AM to 12 Noon on September 9 till the oath ceremony is completed. Emergencies shall be allowed to take the shortest route. Citizens can contact Traffic Police Control Room No. 103 for any assistance, officials said.(GNS)
Arifa among 5 J&K films selected for IFFJK competition
Srinagar, Sep 8: Arifa , directed by Rohin Raveendran Nair, has been selected among five films for the J&K Select Section, the competitive category of the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026. Produced by Gubbara Entertainment and written by Durgesh Singh, Arifa is part of the three-film anthology Kashmir Muhabbat Se, which seeks to present an intimate and humane portrayal of Kashmir beyond headlines and stereotypes. The film follows an estranged daughter who returns to Kashmir to meet her dying father. Her return to the ancestral home brings buried memories to the surface, giving the father and daughter a final opportunity to confront their past and seek reconciliation. The film explores themes of family, memory, reconciliation and belonging against the backdrop of Kashmir. The other films selected for the J&K Select Section are Searching for the Grandpa, directed by Mohammad Wali; Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), directed by Siddarth Koul and Ankit Wali; Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir), directed by Kapil Mattoo; and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar), directed by Baba Tassaduq Hussain. According to festival organisers, the films were recommended by the Preview Committee after reviewing submissions and assessing their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section.
Cultural activities signal changing social atmosphere in Kashmir: Darakhshan Andrabi
Srinagar, Sep 8:J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Tuesday said the growing cultural activities and public participation in Kashmir indicate a changing social atmosphere, as the Valley hosts its maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK). Addressing the four-day festival, themed Rang-e-Cinema, at SKICC Srinagar, Andrabi said Kashmir had once again regained its vibrancy and that such platforms could showcase the regions cultural heritage, creativity and evolving identity to a global audience. Such platforms offer a vital opportunity to present the Valleys rich cultural heritage, creativity, and evolving identity to a global audience, she said. The festival has received more than 1,100 entries from 80 countries and also features a floating cinema on Dal Lake, an initiative being showcased as a first for the region. Andrabi described the public participation in IFFJK as a significant cultural development in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such initiatives could help reconnect Kashmir with the global community while creating new opportunities for local youth. She said the visible public participation and increasing cultural activities reflected the changes taking place in the region. I really feel good today for the first time. The happiness seen on the faces of people here, I credit it to PM Modi, she said. Andrabi said the people of Kashmir carried happiness in their hearts and eyes. People are really happy here, she added.
Kashmirs stories go beyond scenic beauty: Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu
Srinagar, Sep 8:Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu on Tuesday said Kashmirs storytelling potential extends beyond its scenic beauty, with the Valley offering rich material for filmmakers and significant scope for regional cinema. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the second day of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, the actors said local stories, emerging talent and a growing digital ecosystem could create new opportunities for filmmaking in the region. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Kashmir. We loved the food here and the interactions with local people were amazing. We felt a sense of belonging and it was really wonderful, they said. The actors said they would like to see more of their films reach audiences in Kashmir and highlighted the growing opportunities through theatres, OTT platforms and other avenues. There is tremendous scope, they said. They also stressed the importance of film festivals and masterclasses in helping young filmmakers learn from experienced professionals. The actors said Kashmir offered stories rooted in its people, food, culture and everyday life, beyond its landscapes. They noted that while filmmakers had historically visited Kashmir for songs and outdoor shoots, the region now had an opportunity to tell deeper stories about its people and culture. The four-day IFFJK features film screenings, discussions and masterclasses involving filmmakers, actors, technicians, students and cinema enthusiasts.
CM Omar watches Mirzapur: The Movie at Inox multiplex
Srinagar, Sep 8:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday watched Mirzapur: The Movie at INOX Multiplex, Shivpora, Srinagar, as part of the ongoing International Film Festival Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), being held under the theme Rang-e-Cinema. The screening brought the Chief Minister alongside film enthusiasts and audiences attending the maiden edition of the four-day festival, which was inaugurated by him at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on September 7. During the visit, Omar Abdullah interacted with the films lead actors, including Pankaj Tripathi, who reprises his popular role of Kaleen Bhaiya, and Divyenndu, known for portraying Munna Bhaiya in the Mirzapur series. The Chief Minister felicitated the actors and welcomed their participation in the first edition of IFFJK. He appreciated their contribution to Indian cinema and said the presence of leading artistes and filmmakers would help strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs association with the film industry. He also expressed hope that such initiatives would contribute to developing a vibrant and sustainable film ecosystem in the Union Territory. The festival has brought together filmmakers, artists, delegates and cinema enthusiasts from India and abroad. According to the organisers, participants from more than 30 countries are attending, with over 130 films being screened during the four-day event. IFFJK aims to celebrate Jammu and Kashmirs longstanding relationship with cinema while providing filmmakers and audiences an opportunity to engage with diverse cinematic traditions from across the world. Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Director Information Shreya Singhal and other officials were present on the occasion.
Filmmakers seek policy push to revive local cinema in Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 8:Filmmakers participating in the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 have called for greater government support, policy incentives and dedicated exhibition space to revive local cinema and create a sustainable film ecosystem in the Valley. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a masterclass by filmmaker Shriram Raghavan at SKICC Srinagar, filmmaker and college teacher Mudabir said interactions with established filmmakers could help inspire young talent but would need to be backed by concrete opportunities. He said Raghavans experience across genres including thrillers, romance and commercial cinema made the masterclass particularly valuable for students and aspiring filmmakers. However, Mudabir said inspiration alone could not build a sustainable film industry in Kashmir. Cinema has not received much promotion in Kashmir. Local and indigenous filmmakers have limited scope to make films or showcase them before audiences, he said. He called for government measures such as subsidies and incentives for local film productions and suggested that cinema halls in Jammu and Kashmir reserve dedicated screening slots for locally produced films. Such measures can provide young filmmakers with an opportunity to move beyond training and discussions and actually produce and exhibit their work, he added. Filmmaker Shadab Alam said the increasing number of film-related activities in Kashmir was encouraging and indicated that perceptions about shooting in the Valley were changing. Alam said smaller production houses had traditionally been hesitant to shoot in Kashmir, while larger production companies were better placed to undertake productions in the region. I have been coming to Kashmir for the last 10 years and have continuously shot here, he said, adding that the ground reality was different from the apprehensions held by some filmmakers. He also highlighted the growing access to digital content among young people, saying affordable mobile data had brought cinema closer to a wider audience. Gen Z loves cinema, Alam said, while underlining the potential of Kashmirs young population as both an audience and a source of emerging filmmaking talent. The four-day IFFJK commenced in Srinagar on September 7, with the festival being positioned as part of efforts to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs engagement with the film industry and promote the Valley as a shooting destination.
Sagar thanks NC leaders, office bearers, workers for paying homage to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
Srinagar, Sep 8:The J&K National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar Tuesday expressed heartfelt gratitude to party leaders, office-bearers and workers, including those associated with the Youth and Womens wings, who visited the resting place of the late Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to pay homage on his 44th death anniversary. As per a party statement issued, he said that party office-bearers and workers visited the Mazar in the early hours of the morning and fulfilled their duty towards the revered leader. Sagar said that the National Conference is the name of a movement and has always worked towards safeguarding the integrity of Jammu and Kashmir, communal harmony and the interests of the people. He said that the people of all three regions can never forget, until eternity, the great and sacred sacrifices made by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
Complaint for remarks against PM Modi: High Court refuses to quash 2019 summons to Rahul Gandhi
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to quash the summons issued to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in 2019 by a magistrate court in a complaint over his alleged defamatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A single bench of Justice N R Borkar dismissed Gandhis petition against the magistrate courts order, but extended by six weeks an earlier directive to the lower court to defer hearing on the defamation plaint. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, sought the extension so that he can file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The direction to defer the hearing on the defamation complaint meant that Gandhi would not be required to appear before the magistrate. Justice Borkar said it did not find any perversity and illegality in the magistrates order and hence no reason to interfere. This court finds no infirmity in the order. Hence, the petition is dismissed, the HC said. The complainant, M H Shrishrimal, had opposed Gandhis plea in the High Court, claiming that being a member of BJP, he too was aggrieved by the remarks made against his leader. The court refused to accept Gandhis contention that the complainant was not an aggrieved party as the remarks were against a person and not the political party. BJP is a determinate body with a class of members, and complainant Shrishrimal is an active member of the party since 2018, Justice Borkar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a prominent face of the BJP, and any remarks made against him therefore cannot be said to be incapable of affecting those who are members of the party, the court said. The court added that whether the remarks made by Gandhi were of a personal nature intended against PM Modi alone could be determined only during the trial after examination of evidence and witness statements. After the court passed its order, Gandhis counsel Sudeep Pasbola urged it to extend the interim order passed in 2021 for eight weeks so that the Congress leader could appeal in the apex court. Shrishrimals lawyer, however, opposed this and said the trial in the case has been at a standstill since 2021. Justice Borkar continued the interim order for six weeks. Gandhi had challenged a Girgaum magistrates order of August 28, 2019, for a process against him on Shrishrimals complaint. The complaint had alleged that Gandhi defamed PM Modi in a public speech on September 20, 2018, in Rajasthan. Shrishrimal, in his complaint, alleged that apart from the remarks during the rally against PM Modi, Gandhi, on September 24, 2018, also posted a video on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account and repeated the same defamatory remarks. The complainant claimed these statements amounted to direct allegations against all members of the BJP and Indian citizens connected to PM Modi. Gandhis counsel Pasbola and advocate Kushal Mor argued that the complaint was frivolous and the complainant had no locus standi to file it. The complainant was not an aggrieved party and hence cannot file such a complaint, they had submitted.
Why not dialogue with J&K people when Centre talked to Nagaland, Punjab: Iltija Mufti
Kupwara, Sep 8:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader Iltija Mufti questioned Centres approach towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying when New Delhi has talked to the people of Nagaland and Punjab in the past then why not with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If the central government has talked with the people of Nagaland and Punjab, then why this double standard with regard to the people of Jammu and Kashmir? she asked. Speaking to reporters after a youth interaction programme at Town Hall Kupwara on Monday, Mufti said the Government of India should adopt the same approach towards Jammu and Kashmir as it had done in Nagaland and Punjab. She said the first step towards creating a conducive atmosphere should be the release of all political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir on compassionate grounds. Lakhs of people are languishing in jails, not only in the jails of Jammu and Kashmir but also in jails outside. Most of these inmates are from marginalised families who cannot even afford litigation, she said. Iltija alleged that PDP was not being allowed to raise its voice against the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Whenever PDP raises its voice against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, we are not being allowed to do so, she said. While slamming Omar Abdullah-led government Iltija said that the present dispensation has miserably failed to live up to the expectations of youth. The government jobs are now being outsourced, causing disappointment among job aspirants, she said. She said that NC government has failed to fulfil promises mentioned in their manifesto, including 200 free units of electricity, 12 free gas cylinders and one lakh jobs.
Srinagar, Sep 8:Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, in a post on X, said that the public statement by the JEI chief is concerning. He said it would be in the interest of peace and stability that New Delhi listen to peoples plea and revisit its policy of bans on social and political organisations in J&K, bringing an end to the harassment and intimidation that accompanies such restrictions. Mirwaiz, as per a statement issued, said that where these forced measures are challenged before the court of law, it is at least expected that due process is allowed to run its course fairly, without taking actions that render legal remedies meaningless. Attached properties and institutions should be treated with restraint and in accordance with law and judicial process. He further said that a sustainable political process cannot be built by excluding genuine voices or replacing them with convenient alternatives. Those who command real social and political presence must be allowed space and engaged through dialogue. Respect for the rule of law, fairness and meaningful political engagement remain essential for any way forward to real peace, Mirwaiz said.
JU celebrates 58th Foundation Day
The University of Jammu on Tuesday celebrated its 58th Foundation Day with Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai calling upon the University fraternity to move beyond conventional, marks-oriented education and build an academic ecosystem centred on problem-solving, project-based learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal relevance. Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rai said the 58th Foundation Day was not merely an occasion to celebrate the University's journey, but also a moment to reflect on the kind of institution it must become for the generations ahead. He said the University of Jammu had reached a stage where it must move beyond following established models and have the confidence to create new ones for higher education. I have never believed that we should simply copy another university. I want the University of Jammu to be an example for others, he said, calling upon the University fraternity to work collectively towards making Jammu University a model institution for the country. The Vice Chancellor said the changing world required universities to rethink the way students are taught, assessed and prepared for life. Education, he said, could no longer remain excessively centred on marks, examinations and rote learning. The real measure of a student should increasingly be the ability to think, collaborate, create and solve problems. We cannot determine the future of today's students according to the standards and circumstances of our own student days, he said. Emphasising project-based and interdisciplinary learning, the Vice-Chancellor said students from different disciplines should be encouraged to work together on real-life problems. He said the University had already begun experimenting with such approaches and urged faculty members to make project-mode learning an integral part of curriculum design. Assessment, too, must evolve to recognise both collaborative work and individual contribution. Referring to the University's new undergraduate-postgraduate programme, Prof Rai said the initiative was aimed at bringing students from different academic streams onto a common multidisciplinary platform, with exposure to areas such as Information Technology, mathematical ability, data, communication skills, coding, Artificial Intelligence and financial literacy. He cautioned that innovative programmes should not eventually slip back into conventional teaching practices. Please do not take it towards rote learning. Take it towards project-mode learning and real-life problem-solving, he told the academic fraternity. Placing research at the heart of the University's future, Prof Rai said the institution had witnessed encouraging growth in its research performance, with citations increasing from around 944 to 10,549. The University's admissions had also increased from around 1,800 last year to more than 2,800 this year, which, he said, reflected growing confidence in the institution. He also highlighted the University's initiative to establish the Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence, which would undertake research across Jammu and Kashmir and explore its culture, literature, dialects, traditions and heritage, besides examining their possible linkages with tourism, entrepreneurship and the economy. Calling himself merely a catalyst in the University's transformation, the Vice Chancellor credited the progress to the collective efforts of the University fraternity. Every one of you has a role to play, he said, urging faculty members, officers, employees, researchers and students to take ownership of the University's future. On the 58th Foundation Day, he called upon the University fraternity to renew its commitment to the institution and build a University that not only responds to the changing needs of higher education but also provides direction to others. Chief guest Dr Dheer Singh, Director, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, congratulated the University fraternity and said universities were not merely places of teaching but institutions that shape individuals, society and the nation. Dr Singh identified education, research and employment as three crucial dimensions of a modern university and stressed that research should move beyond laboratories and academic publications to create technologies, products, enterprises and solutions for society. Guest of Honour Manish Vij, Managing Partner, Smile Group and Founder, Vanna Ventures, New Delhi, said universities must prepare students to combine disciplinary expertise with the ability to work across domains and address real-world challenges. Using the letter T as an analogy, he said its vertical line represented depth and specialisation, while the horizontal represented cross-functional and interdisciplinary learning. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, described the University's 58-year institutional journey as a testimony to resilience, perseverance and the contribution of generations of stakeholders. A special feature of the 58th Foundation Day celebrations was the felicitation of distinguished alumni who have excelled in the fields of judiciary, civil administration, tourism and entrepreneurship, besides student achievers and best-performing employees of the University. Among those honoured was Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, alumnus of Law and presently Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, Justice Nargal has extensive experience in constitutional, service, taxation, academic, civil and arbitration matters. He served in several important capacities, including Senior Additional Advocate General for the J&K Home Department and counsel for various government and public institutions. The University also honoured Udham Dass, JKAS, an alumnus of the Department of History and presently serving as Additional Secretary at the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat, J&K. A member of the JKAS 2008 batch, he completed his M.A. in History from the University of Jammu during 2001-03 and was a Gold Medallist. He subsequently pursued M.Phil. and Ph.D. in History and qualified UGC NET and JRF NET. As he could not attend the function owing to official engagements at Lok Bhawan, Srinagar, the memento was received on his behalf by the Registrar, University of Jammu. Ansuya Jamwal, JKAS, alumnus of The Business School and presently Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, was felicitated for her contribution to public administration. An MBA from the University of Jammu, she joined the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service in 2004 and has served in several important assignments across Social Welfare, Tourism, Government Medical College and Hospitality & Protocol. Her contribution to inter-departmental coordination, emergency response, rescue and relief efforts during challenging situations, including Operation Sindoor and the August 2025 floods, was also acknowledged. Another distinguished alumnus felicitated on the occasion was Vijay Kumar, a member of the second batch of the Master's in Tourism Management, 2004, who is presently Joint General Manager-Tourism, IRCTC Ltd., North Zone, New Delhi. The University also felicitated Shri Rajat Salgotra, a Gold Medallist in MBA International Business from the International Centre for Cross-Cultural Research and Human Resource Management and former Cultural Secretary of the University. A first-generation entrepreneur, he is the Founder and CEO of Samast Eco Alternatives Pvt. Ltd., a sustainability-focused startup that upcycles cow dung and temple flower waste into eco-friendly products. The University also felicitated student achievers for their outstanding accomplishments in sports, cultural activities, NSS and NCC, recognising their achievements at University, national and international levels. The best-performing employees of the University were also honoured for their dedication and contribution to the institution. Those recognised included Vikas Bhat, Section Officer, Vice-Chancellor's Secretariat; Neeru Gupta, Section Officer, Examination Wing; Ashwani Kumar, Mali, Landscaping Unit; and Jagtar, Sanitation Worker, Department of Botany. Earlier, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and youth engagement, the University of Jammu organised a Nasha Mukt Pledge, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai. The pledge reaffirmed the Universitys resolve to contribute towards a drug-free society, in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor Manoj Sinha for a Nasha Mukt Bharat and a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The event was ably conducted by Prof Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu.
Indian Football League 2026-27 to begin on October 30
New Delhi, Sep 8: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday said that the 2026-27 Indian Football League (IFL) season will commence on October 30, after meeting with representatives of all 11 participating clubs. The meeting reviewed the 2025-26 season, noting that viewership figures and overall broadcast performance were hugely encouraging, surging to four times higher than the 2024-25 campaign. As part of regulatory updates for the upcoming season, the Council approved a rule permitting a maximum of three foreign players on the pitch at a time during matches. The league's footprint will also expand with the inclusion of Nagaland and Odisha as new venues. Additionally, the IFL Charter, proposed budget, and sponsorship packages for the new season came under detailed discussion. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan described the gathering as a very cordial meeting.
Civil society members hold prayers outside room housing defunct X-Ray machine at GMC Rajouri
In a unique form of protest against alleged deterioration of healthcare services, civil society members on Tuesday held prayers outside the room housing a defunct digital X-ray machine at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. They have alleged that the X-Ray machine has been non-functional for the past seven months. The protestors, led by civil society member Mushtaq Bhat, assembled in the premises of Associated Hospital GMC Rajouri and held prayers in front of the digital X-ray machine installed in the Emergency Ward. The protesters burned incense sticks in front of the machine, praying for its well-being and restoration, highlighting what they alleged as the prolonged failure of the hospital administration to make the vital diagnostic facility functional. The civil society members alleged that the X-ray machine remained defunct due to an electricity earthing-related small issue for the past seven months, but the hospital administration failed to resolve it despite the importance of the facility for emergency patients. They alleged that the administrative system at GMC Rajouri had collapsed completely and accused the authorities of having failed to pay adequate attention to patient care. The protesters also raised concerns over the availability of only one functional Operation Theatre in the Gynaecology Department, saying that the situation was creating difficulties for both medical staff and patients, particularly pregnant women requiring timely surgical intervention. They further questioned the functioning of the institution in the absence of a regular Principal, claiming that the post was lying vacant for around five years and the affairs of the medical college were largely being managed through additional-charge arrangements. The civil society members also highlighted what they described as an acute shortage of staff, alleging that around 60 per cent of sanctioned manpower was not available at the institution. They urged the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Health Department to intervene immediately, restore essential diagnostic and surgical facilities and address the manpower shortage to ensure uninterrupted patient care at the premier healthcare institution of the Pir Panjal region.
Omar-govt failed to construct individual bunkers approved by Centre: LoP Sunil Sharma
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma on Tuesday criticised the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government for, what he alleged, having failed to realise on ground the project related to construction of individual bunkers approved by the Centre. The individual bunkers, which were approved by the central government after Operation Sindoor, have not been constructed by the Omar Abdullah-government. The elected government despite its huge mandate has failed to deliver good governance as it is focussed only on corruption, alleged LoP, who was leading a senior BJP delegation on a mass public outreach programme Jan Samvad in Poonch and Rajouri. Following his meeting with delegations at Dak bungalow Poonch, Sharma stated that he listened to victimised and ignored sections of society as part of BJPs district wide outreach programme. Weve noted their genuine issues including delay in Panchayat elections, demands of daily wagers, rampant corruption, need for individual bunkers in border areas post Operation Sindoor and meagre stipend of intern doctors. We will become the voice of these poor and deprived people in the upcoming assembly session and force this failed NC government to act, LoP asserted. He described the problems of unemployed youth, daily wagers and early conduct of Panchayat polls as the burning issues in the current scenario. Previously during our (BJPs) post Operation Sindoor visit to border districts, there were demands of immediate compensation, job and bunkers. I, myself, raised these demands with the Union Home Minister. He (Home Minister) not only agreed to these demands but even personally reviewed progress on compensation and handed over job letters during his visit. However, the construction of bunkers was to be realised on the ground by the current elected government in J&K. We had constructed community bunkers but the demands were specific for individual bunkers. However, this (elected) government failed to do so although they (individual bunkers) were approved by the Centre, LoP maintained. He assured that the issue would again be raised with the central government. BJPs outreach programme was aimed at taking its campaign against, what the LoP and other party leaders described as, the failures, misgovernance and anti-people policies of the National Conference-led government directly to the people. Sunil Sharma was accompanied by senior leader Vibodh Gupta, district presidents Gurdeep Singh Khalsa and Dev Raj Sharma, former MLC Pardeep Sharma and other senior BJP functionaries. During the outreach, the BJP delegation interacted with several public delegations, listened to their grievances and took detailed feedback on issues confronting the people, particularly relating to development, basic public services, employment and welfare. Sunil Sharma said the programme marked the beginning of an extensive grassroots campaign by the BJP to expose the widening gap between the tall promises of the NC before elections and its performance in government. The NC came to power making big promises to the people, but today the public is asking where is the promised development, where are the jobs and where is the relief in their day-to-day problems? The growing public dissatisfaction is a direct reflection of the governments failure to deliver, Sunil Sharma maintained. He claimed that instead of addressing peoples genuine concerns, the NC government failed to provide effective, accountable and responsive governance. The BJP will not allow the government to hide its failures behind political rhetoric. We will go to every district, every constituency and every section of society, listen to the people and bring their issues before the government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he asserted. Sunil Sharma said the grievances raised in Poonch and Rajouri clearly demonstrated that people were increasingly questioning the functioning and priorities of the NC government. The BJP is not sitting in offices and making political statements. Our leaders and workers are reaching the people, hearing them directly and standing with them in their hour of need. The peoples voice will become the BJPs strongest weapon against NCs misgovernance, he said. LoP further announced that the public outreach would be expanded across Jammu and Kashmir, with senior BJP leaders undertaking visits to different administrative districts to highlight the governments failures and ensure that genuine public issues are raised at every appropriate forum. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve performance, accountability and developmentnot excuses and empty promises. The BJP will remain the strongest voice of the people and will continue to hold the NC government accountable, Sunil Sharma said.
Turn pressure into performance, sports minister tells Asian Games-bound contingent
New Delhi, Sep 8:Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday urged the Indian contingent for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya to fear no opponent, turn pressure into performance and build on the countrys impressive medal surge at the continental showpiece. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) organised a send-off ceremony for the 503-member contingent, with several athletes and teams in attendance. Mandaviya said Indias medal tally had risen significantly from the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon to the 2023 edition in Hangzhou and called for the upward trend to continue. The athletes success also becomes the nations success. We have a contingent of 503 athletes competing at the upcoming Asian Games. I am confident that we will put up a good performance which will bring about a quantum change in the sports sector, Mandaviya said at the ceremony.
Aqua Avengers Kashmir beat Swift Strikers 3-1 in Kashmir Super League
Srinagar, Sep 8:Aqua Avengers Kashmir produced a commanding display of attacking football as they defeated Swift Strikers 3-1 in Match 5 of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League on Tuesday. Playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Aqua Avengers Kashmir, as per a statement, showed greater attacking intent from the outset, combining movement, pressure and clinical finishing to take control of the contest. Their three-goal performance proved decisive as they maintained their advantage and closed out the match with a convincing victory. Swift Strikers fought back and found the net once, giving themselves an opportunity to make a contest of the game. Aqua Avengers, however, responded with composure and continued to dictate the tempo, eventually securing a 3-1 result. The scoreline reflected a match in which Aqua Avengers Kashmir made their attacking opportunities count. Their ability to maintain pressure across the game and finish key chances separated the two sides on the night. The fixture also carried a strong off-field presence, with noted personalities from the Indian film industry and media attending the match as special guests.
Nairang-e-Tameer architecture festival begins at IUST
The second edition of Nairang-e-Tameer, the annual architecture festival of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), began Tuesday, bringing together architects, academicians, artisans and students. Organised by the Department of Architecture, the three-day event, being held from Sept. 8 to 10, provides a platform for students and professionals to showcase their work, exchange ideas, build networks and explore the relationship between traditional knowledge and contemporary architectural practice. Assistant Professor Mehraan Qureshi, while welcoming participants, described the event as a platform for students and architects to share their work and learn from one another. IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo stressed the need to preserve the character of Kashmiri architecture while addressing contemporary challenges. There is a growing homogenisation of architectural forms, Romshoo said, calling for greater integration of modernity with traditional practices and stronger focus on disaster resilience. He also called for exposing architecture students to emerging technologies so that modern tools can be meaningfully blended with traditional architecture, and stressed the need to make such initiatives more student-centric. Dr. Kuldeep, director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an ethnographic gallery documenting artefacts and cultural materials. He stressed the importance of bringing architects, craftsmen and other stakeholders together, particularly in a region where architectural and cultural heritage remain closely interconnected. Kuldeep said Jammu and Kashmir currently has only two schools of architecture, at IUST and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, underscoring the need to strengthen opportunities for students and professionals. Earlier, Qazi Qammer Iqbal, dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, spoke about the significance of the festivals Persian-derived name, Nairang-e-Tameer. He said the terms Nairang, associated with deception and magic, and Tameer, meaning construction, have particular relevance to architecture and the ways spaces, forms and perceptions are created. Dean Outreach Dr. Ruheela Hassan congratulated the organisers and appreciated the theme. Highlighting the wider social role of architecture, she said meaningful work emerges when knowledge meets society and that architects do not merely construct buildings but also give us hope. Dean Research Dr. Abid Hussain Shalla appreciated the initiative and the Department of Architecture for creating a platform for academic and professional exchange. The opening day featured architects conclave sessions, with accomplished architects and professionals showcasing their work and sharing insights.
Postal department invites entries forletter writing,philately schemes
The Department of Posts, J&K Circle, has invited public participation in the Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Competition and Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana for 2026-27. The Dhai Akhar competition is open to Indian citizens in two age categories up to 18 years and above 18 years. Participants can submit handwritten letters in English, Hindi or any regional language on the theme, A Letter to Mother Earth: My Promise to Protect Nature. Entries can be submitted on an Inland Letter Card of up to 500 words or in an envelope of up to 1,000 words. They must include an age declaration as of Jan. 1, 2026, and the envelope should be superscribed DHAI AKHAR Letter 2026. Entries will be accepted from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and sent to the Chief Postmaster General, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Postal Circle. Circle-level winners will receive Rs 25,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 for first, second and third places, respectively. The top three entries will advance to the national round, where winners will receive Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000. The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana offers an annual philately scholarship of Rs 6,000 to students of Classes VI to IX with at least 60% marks, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students. Applicants must be members of a School Philately Club or hold a personal Philately Deposit Account. Selection will be based on a philately project and quiz assessed by a Circle-level committee. Up to 40 students per postal Circle will receive the scholarship, paid quarterly into a joint account with a parent.
Q: Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar? A: Not significantly. Brown sugar contains small amounts of minerals because of molasses, but its effect on blood glucose and calories is broadly similar to white sugar. Neither should be considered a healthy sugar. Q: I have stopped eating rice to lose weight. Is that necessary? A: No. Rice can be part of a healthy diet. The key is portion size, preparation and what you eat with it. Choosing appropriate portions and adding vegetables, pulses, eggs, fish or other protein is generally more useful than completely eliminating rice. Q: Does drinking warm water first thing in the morning melt belly fat? A: No. Warm water may feel soothing and contributes to hydration, but it does not specifically burn belly fat. Reducing excess calories, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy overall lifestyle are what matter for weight management. Q: Is fruit unhealthy for diabetics? A: Whole fruit is generally a nutritious food, despite containing naturally occurring sugar. It provides fibre, vitamins and other beneficial compounds. The bigger concern is frequent consumption of sugary drinks and large amounts of fruit juice, where fibre is reduced or absent. Q: Can I have diabetes even if I dont eat sweets? A: Yes. Diabetes is influenced by genetics, body weight, physical activity, age, overall dietary pattern and several other factors. Avoiding sweets alone does not completely eliminate the risk. Q: Is honey better than sugar for people with diabetes? A: Honey is still a source of sugar and carbohydrates and can raise blood glucose. Although it may have some nutritional differences from refined sugar, it should not be considered a diabetes-friendly substitute that can be consumed freely. Q: I feel fine. Do I really need to check my blood pressure? A: Yes, especially as you get older or if you have risk factors. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms for years. Checking it periodically is a simple way to detect a problem before complications develop. Q: Can I stop my blood-pressure medicine when my readings become normal? A: Usually, nonot without discussing it with your doctor. A normal reading may mean the medicine and lifestyle changes are controlling your blood pressure. Stopping treatment on your own can allow it to rise again. Q: Does eating eggs every day cause high cholesterol? A: For most healthy people, eggs can be part of a balanced diet. Blood cholesterol is influenced by the overall dietary pattern, genetics and other factorsnot simply by one food. People with specific medical conditions may need individualized advice. Q: Is homemade pickle healthier than packaged pickle? A: Homemade does not automatically mean healthier. Pickles can contain substantial amounts of salt and, depending on preparation, oil. They are best eaten in small quantities, whether homemade or commercially prepared. Q: Is drinking tea immediately after meals bad? A: Not necessarily. However, tea contains compounds that can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals. People with iron deficiency or anaemia may benefit from avoiding tea around mealtimes and discussing their diet with a doctor. Q: Does drinking milk at night cause weight gain? A: Milk itself does not automatically cause weight gain because it is consumed at night. Weight change depends largely on total calorie intake and expenditure. However, sweetened or high-calorie milk drinks can add significant calories. Q: Is walking enough exercise, or do I need to go to a gym? A: You do not need a gym to be physically active. Brisk walking is excellent exercise and can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Ideally, adults should also include muscle-strengthening activities regularly. Q: Can a person be obese but still be healthy because their blood tests are normal? A: Normal blood tests are reassuring, but they do not eliminate the long-term health risks associated with excess body fat. Obesity can increase the future risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, sleep apnoea and several other conditions. Q: Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis? A: Current evidence does not show that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis. It may produce a popping sound because of changes in pressure and gas within the joint. Persistent pain, swelling or stiffness, however, should be evaluated. Q: I snore loudly. Please guide. A: Loud habitual snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, particularly if it is accompanied by pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness. It should not simply be ignored. Q: Is taking antibiotics for a cold the fastest way to recover? A: Usually not. Most common colds are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics do not work. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should be taken when medically indicated. Q: Can I take painkillers regularly for headaches without worrying? A: Frequent painkiller use is not harmless. Depending on the medicine, excessive use can cause stomach, kidney or liver problems and may itself contribute to medication-overuse headaches. Recurrent headaches deserve evaluation rather than repeated self-medication. Public Advisory: Not every health problem needs a tabletand not every health myth deserves to be believed. From WhatsApp remedies and natural cures to advice from friends and relatives, health information can easily become distorted. Before starting, stopping or changing a treatment, ask the doctornot the WhatsApp group. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness, not a substitute for medical advice. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org
Can Diet and Gut Health Actually Improve Acne?
Almost every household in Kashmir has heard some version of this advice: what you eat shows on your skin. For years this was dismissed by modern dermatology as folk wisdom rather than fact. Acne was treated as a topical problem: excess oil clogged pores; bacteria managed with creams and tablets; diet left largely out of the conversation. That is changing. A growing body of research now shows that our grandmothers werent entirely wrong; what happens in the gut does show up on the face. The honest answer based on current evidence is a qualified yes. Diet and gut health genuinely influence acne but they work alongside proper treatment not instead of it. The gut-skin axis: what the science shows The gut and skin communicate through what researchers call the gut-skin axis, a two-way relationship carried largely by the immune system and inflammatory signalling. A systematic review on diet and acne in JAAD International (2022) found consistent links between certain dietary patterns and acne severity noting that foods with a high glycaemic index or load dairy products fatty foods and chocolate promote acne lesions while fruits and vegetables appear protective. Newer research in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2025) examined gut-microbiota markers in acne patients versus healthy controls adding evidence that gut imbalance may contribute to acne through systemic inflammation. In practical terms high glycaemic foods raise insulin and IGF-1 which increase oil production and clog pores, dairy particularly skim milk is linked to acne through naturally occurring hormonal components and an imbalanced gut may drive the inflammation that surfaces as breakouts. Diets richer in fibre fruits and vegetables are consistently associated with calmer skin. Where this hit close to home: our own diet This is worth sitting with honestly because much of what the research flags maps closely onto our everyday plate. Maida-based roti and bakery items, a staple in most Kashmiri kitchens are refined flour foods with a high glycaemic load exactly the category linked to worse acne. Rice eaten at nearly every meal is itself high glycaemic and our portions are rarely modest. Our cooking is traditionally oil heavy particularly the mustard oil used generously in wazwan style preparation. And dairy noon chai milk and paneer are part of daily life here often in large quantities which matters given the specific dairy-acne link noted above. None of this means giving up what we grew up eating, this food is part of who we are. But a patient with persistent acne on a fairly typical Kashmiri diet heavy in maida rice oil and dairy is without realising it combining several of the dietary factors most consistently tied to acne in the literature. Small realistic shifts more vegetables alongside the rice rather than instead of it a lighter hand with oil noticing whether dairy correlates with your own flare ups go further than people expect without asking anyone to abandon their kitchen. Two overlooked habits: touching the face and facial massage. Beyond diet two everyday habits deserve more attention than they usually get. Touching the face happens far more than most people realise. Studies measuring spontaneous self-touch found people touch their faces several hundred times a day the forehead nose and chin most of all. Hands carry bacteria and surface contaminants picked up all day and repeated friction on the same spot can itself trigger a distinct pattern of breakouts known as acne mechanica. This was seen clearly during the pandemic when prolonged mask use caused a rise in acne along the cheeks nose and chin maskne attributed partly to occlusion partly to the repeated touching and adjusting of the mask encouraged. The lesson extends well beyond masks resting the chin on a hand or holding a phone to the cheek through long calls is a small correctable habit that keeps skin irritated in that same pattern. Facial massage common in salons across Srinagar is more nuanced. Gentle massage with clean hands and proper products can support circulation without harming the skin. But massage done with heavy occlusive creams or poor hygiene not uncommon in some parlour settings has been linked to a distinct inflammatory eruption. A dermatology case series (Khanna N Datta Gupta S. Acneiform eruptions after facial beauty treatment) documented patients developing deep inflammatory nodular lesions on the cheeks chin and forehead beginning as early as their very first massage session often leaving dark marks behind that took a long time to fade. The likely cause occlusive creams and manual pressure pushing sebum deeper into the follicle rather than clearing it out. For acne-prone skin the product and the hands doing the massage matter as much as the massage itself. A word of caution Acne is never caused by one thing alone, genetics hormones stress and skincare habits all play their part alongside diet and it would be misleading to suggest otherwise. Cutting out entire food groups without medical guidance can leave nutritional gaps without meaningfully clearing the skin. Any real dietary change is best made alongside a proper evaluation of the skin itself not in place of one. In simple terms diet doesnt replace treatment but it helps it work better. And sometimes what our hands are doing to our face matters just as much as whats on our plate. Dr. Mir Waleed Mansoor is a medical professional and Chairman Hair of Kashmir Clinic Aesthetic & AYUSH Wellness Clinic Srinagar.
CS inaugurates Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Centre for drug abuse victims at IMHANS Srinagar
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday dedicated the Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Centre for drug abuse victims at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar, marking the launch of the Phase-I pilot of the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The centre has been established by the Social Welfare Department in coordination with the Health and Medical Education Department, district administration and other stakeholders to provide structured rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration support to persons recovering from substance abuse. Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, Head IMHANS and senior doctors and faculty members attended the inauguration. After inaugurating the facility, Dulloo inspected the doctors rooms, counselling spaces, group therapy facilities and referral and emergency linkage arrangements. He said the centre would serve as the beginning of a sustained rehabilitation journey, helping beneficiaries regain confidence, reconnect with families and communities and return to productive lives. He described the pilot as an important step towards translating the rehabilitation policy into a functional ground-level mechanism and said the experience gained at IMHANS would help strengthen and expand the model across other districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for sustained coordination among departments, health institutions, district administrations and community stakeholders for the initiatives success. Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M. Raju said the centre has been designed as a comprehensive support mechanism that goes beyond de-addiction treatment to include rehabilitation, recovery, family engagement and socio-economic reintegration. He said IMHANS was identified as one of the principal pilot institutions following directions issued during a high-level review chaired by the Chief Secretary. Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez said the centre will provide a multidisciplinary framework comprising medical assessment, counselling, social work intervention, family engagement, case management, referral and follow-up through an Individual Rehabilitation Plan for every beneficiary. He said the initiative aims to support recovery while helping beneficiaries rebuild family and community relationships and access education, skill development, livelihood opportunities and sustainable reintegration. Principal, GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah said the centre will coordinate with community-level stakeholders, including ASHA workers, Self Help Groups and other frontline functionaries, to extend rehabilitation beyond institutional care. She said the framework also envisages training medical officers, psychiatrists, counsellors and social welfare officials in screening, assessment, counselling, family engagement, case management and relapse-risk identification. Officials said the centre will function as a bridge between clinical care and community-based rehabilitation, with a focus on continuity of care after treatment and reducing the risk of relapse and social exclusion. The scheme also includes collaboration with the National Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS New Delhi, for training, mentoring, observer ships and joint research in addiction psychiatry and rehabilitation interventions. The government said IMHANS Srinagar will serve as the institutional anchor for the pilot, providing beneficiaries with a structured pathway from treatment and stabilisation to rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration.
HC declines to entertain PIL over AI driven justice delivery system
Observing it as premature, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a slew of reforms in the justice delivery system, including the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for advocates, litigants, legal aid and court administration. In response to the PIL titled Yang Burzhome (Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Handoo), a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani held that the PIL was premature at present as the digitisation of court records and development of applications aimed at augmenting the justice delivery system are already underway. The PIL had sought the court's intervention to direct the Registrar General of the High Court, Bar Council of India, Union of India and National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for implementation of a broad AI-powered justice modernisation framework. Although the petitioner sought several directions through the PIL, the main proposals included the creation of an AI-powered Know Your Advocate Card (KYA), containing information relating to advocates' professional profiles, disposal rates, adjournment history, disciplinary records and fee structures. It also sought to put in place an AI-powered Case Health Card through a proposed Nyaya Mitra Solution Explorer, which would assess the legal foundation of cases, precedent alignment, evidence and procedural readiness, limitation and jurisdiction issues, and provide plain-language summaries and estimates concerning case disposal. The PIL also sought proposals that included mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for advocates, greater access to legal databases and AI-assisted legal research, transparent fee and billing guidelines, automated monitoring of unnecessary adjournments, independent disciplinary and ethics tribunals, expansion of the public defender model and multilingual AI legal assistants. Moreover, it had sought strengthened e-Sewa Kendras for marginalized and rural litigants and advocated increased financial support for the judiciary, including enhanced judicial infrastructure and measures to address vacancies and case pendency. In response to the plea, the court observed that some of the issues raised could be helpful in improving and reforming the justice delivery system in the long run. It, however, noted that the PIL was premature as digitisation of court records and development of applications aimed at improving justice delivery were already underway. The E-Committee of the Supreme Court and NALSA are already seized of these issues, it noted. Observing that issuing directions while existing initiatives are underway may not be conducive to their implementation, the court declined to entertain the PIL at this stage. It, however, gave the petitioner the liberty to raise the issues again after awaiting the outcome of the measures already initiated by the concerned authorities.
High Court upholds bail to 70-year-old accused in UAPA case
The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Tuesday dismissed the governments plea calling in question the bail granted to elderly accused in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani rejected the appeal filed by the government through Police Station Bijbehara against the bail order in favour of the 70-year-old accused, Ghulam Nabi Sumji, passed by the Special Judge designated under the UAPA at Anantnag, The bench held that the trial court committed no illegality or perversity in granting bail to the accused. The case relates to FIR No. 54 of 2024, registered at Police Station Bijbehara under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA and Sections 121 and 121-A of the IPC. Initially, the trial court had granted an interim bail to the accused on December 6, 2025, which was subsequently made absolute on December 29, 2025. After examining the record and rival submissions, the High Court, in its decision noted that there was no illegality or perversity in the orders passed by the trial court and dismissed the UT's appeal. The Court held that offences under Sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA fall under Chapter III of the Act and therefore do not attract the statutory embargo contained in Section 43-D(5), which applies to offences falling under Chapters IV and VI. The bench noted that the offences under Sections 121 and 121-A of the IPC were not established during the investigation and were subsequently dropped from the FIR. While considering bail, a court is not required to conduct a preliminary trial or determine the guilt or innocence of the accused, which can only be decided after trial, it said. The Court observed that prima facie true, in the context of Section 43-D (5) UAPA, means something more than mere suspicion or conjecture and something less than proved. The expression has to be assessed on the facts of each individual case. Furthermore, the Court observed that in non-bailable offences which do not carry the punishment of death or imprisonment for life in the alternative, bail is the rule and its denial an exception, particularly where there is no material showing that the accused would flee from justice or tamper with prosecution evidence. The personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution is a fundamental value and that the power to deny bail must be exercised judiciously and not casually, the court said. The court observed that the conditions imposed by the trial court were sufficient to address the prosecution's apprehensions regarding misuse of bail. Observing that there seemed to be no merit in the appeal, the bench dismissed the same and upheld the bail granted to the accused.
