India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Srinagar- As schools across the Kashmir Division reopen on Monday, the Education Department's revised schedule, combining early morning classes with mandatory afternoon online sessions, has sparked a wave of concern and criticism from parents, who are calling the decision "impractical" and "poorly thought-out." In a formal statement issued Monday, Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that there will be no extension to the summer break. "The schools will reopen on Tuesday. All teaching and learning activities will resume as per the new time schedule," she said. According to the order, schools within municipal limits, including Srinagar, will function from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, while those in rural areas or outside municipal limits will operate from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon. Parents say the revised timings are not just harsh, but unrealistic for children, particularly those aged 4 to 8 years. "If school starts at 7:30, my child has to be up by 5 AM. When is he supposed to eat and get ready? He's only 5," said Dr. Rabia Noor, a parent from Srinagar."It affects their focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. This decision completely ignores the age and needs of children." Several parents pointed out that this schedule also affects them directly, as they will now have to wake up earlier to help prepare for their children's school. "We're not asking for vacations and no study, just a routine that makes sense for a child," said Zeeshan Ahmad, a parent from Kulgam. "At young age, kids need more rest, not less. Waking them up in the dark and rushing through breakfast just to reach school on time isn't normal." "And it's not just about kids. Parents are struggling too. Many of us have jobs to go to after this morning chaos," he added. "There's no breathing space left for families."What has unsettled parents even more is the new blended learning model, under which students, after reaching home, students from Class 6 onwards are required to attend two online classes following a one-hour rest. Teachers have been directed to stay available till 2 PM, and Heads of Institutions (HoIs) have been instructed to ensure these online classes are conducted "without exception."But for many, the decisions seem far removed from ground realities. Many questioned the feasibility of holding online classes soon after children return home, particularly when commute times can take an hour or more. "Students will reach home by 12:30 PM and need to rest and eat, how are they expected to start online classes right after?" a parent asked. "This isn't COVID time that parents will be at home to support their kids. Most parents are working," Chasfeeda Shah, another parent said. "During COVID, online classes were an option. Now they are being made compulsory without taking into account home situations." Concerns were also raised about the timing mismatch between student commutes and teacher schedules. "If school ends by 12 and it takes children over an hour to reach home, they'll still be in school vans or buses while teachers are expected to start online sessions. How does that even work?" Teachers, too, are caught in a logistical bind. Many of them rely on the same school transport as students and are questioning how they are expected to remain available till 2 PM if the buses leave soon after school ends. "Why should teachers remain in school when most of us travel by the school bus? Are we supposed to walk home or arrange separate transport just to stay back?" asked a teacher who did not wish to be named. Amid the backlash, many are also questioning the decision-making process behind the move, asking who the Education Department or Minister consulted before implementing these changes. "Voices from the ground, including families, school authorities, and child health experts, appear to have been completely overlooked," said a parent.Decisions are being announced by the Minister without a clear understanding of how they impact people on the ground. Orders may be issued easily, but it's families, students, and teachers who are left to deal with the consequences." While the weather took a U-turn on Monday evening, with rains pouring across many parts of Kashmir, parents are watching closely to see whether the decision stands in changing conditions. At the same time, some voices are urging the government to focus on long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes. "It's time we move beyond the old model of just 'mid-day meals' and build truly weather-friendly, future-ready schools," said one parent. "The government must upgrade every school with modern gadgets and safe infrastructure in a phased but determined manner. Debates and discussions should now focus on the state of schools."
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
KOZHIKODE: A woman from Palakkad who recently tested positive for Nipah virus, remains in critical condition at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. She is currently receiving critical care in the hospital's specialised Nipah isolation unit. The patient was initially admitted to a private medical facility in Perinthalmanna. However, late on Saturday night, due to a significant deterioration in her health, she was transferred to the Kozhikode Medical College. Her symptoms, consistent with a severe viral infection, first appeared on July 1, prompting her to seek medical attention. ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: A collision involving three buses carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Kashmir Valley's southern Kulgam district left 17 pilgrims injured on Sunday. The witnesses and police sources said that the mishap took place along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) near the Tachloo crossing in Kulgam's Khudwani area. "Over ten pilgrims were injured in the accident, which took place during convoy movement en- route to Baltal (a base-camp of the annual pilgrimage)," a police official said. However, a report put the number of the injured at 17, saying that most of them sustained minor inj ...Read More >
Srinagar- Despite overcast weather in the higher reaches of Kashmir, the annual Amarnath Yatra continues without major disruption, with over 2.34 lakh pilgrims having performed darshan at the holy cave since the pilgrimage began this year. According to official figures, a total of 13,490 devotees performed darshan on July 15 alone. The pilgrims included 9,096 men, 3,546 women, 199 children, 67 sadhus, and 14 sadhvis. Additionally, 568 security personnel also availed the darshan at the sacred shrine. Fresh batches of pilgrims continue to depart daily from the Jammu base camp. On Tuesday, 6,38 ...Read More >
Chennai: Chief minister M K Stalin has set a target of enrolling 2.5 crore members in DMK and has instructed party district secretaries to step up membership drive under 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu' campaign.In a virtual meeting with DMK district secretaries on Thursday, Stalin said they only had 30 more days to achieve the target. He had earlier set a target of enrolling at least 30% voters in every polling booth. Now, after the positive response for the 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu' campaign, Stalin has revis ...Read More >
Rains lashed Kashmir valley for the second day on Tuesday bringing down temperatures to below normal. The meteorological centre has predicted heavy rains for the next two days. Intermittent light to moderate rains were recorded in the morning after overnight rain which started on Monday evening. The MeT said that 9.8 mm rains has been recorded in summer capital Srinagar from Monday evening till Tuesday evening. "The highest of 24.4 mm rainfall was witnessed in the northern resort of Gulmarg," a ...Read More >
Across the United States, rural students are feeling shortchanged and frustrated, as many of the comparatively few universities that serve them are eliminating large numbers of programs and majors, blaming plummeting enrollment and resulting financial crises, local media reported. "Nationwide, college enrollment has declined by 2 million students, or 10 per cent, in the 10 years ending in 2022, hitting rural schools particularly hard," report Xinhua news agency, quoting The Washington Post on Tuesday. "An increasing number of rural private, nonprofit colleges are not only cutting majors but ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Congress leader Jignesh Mevani on Saturday questioned the government over the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, alleging foreign pressure and demanding clarity on its terms. Mevani accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of backing down under US influence and asked why the remaining terrorists haven't been caught. 'It's been a month since the government launched Operation Sindoor and claimed to have caught a terrorist. The Prime Minister boasts of a 56-inch chest, says India is a Vishwa Guru, and speaks of vermilion running through our veins. Then why haven't the ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jul 2: The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims received a grand and emotional welcome as they entered the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday afternoon , marking the beginning of the annual 38-day spiritual journey to the revered 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir. The atmosphere was one of celebration, devotion, and unity as officials, security personnel, political leaders, and locals came together to receive the pilgrims. Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first convoy of 5,892 pilgrims from the heavily-guarded Bhag ...Read More >
SRINAGAR, Jul 8: Amid a backlash over revised school timings, Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said the decision is not final and can be reviewed. The education department on Monday changed the timings of all schools in Kashmir and the winter zone of the Jammu division. The schools, which were closed for summer vacations due to a prolonged heatwave, reopened on Tuesday. According to an education department order, the timings for schools falling within the municipal limits of Srinagar will be from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and the timings for those outside the Srinagar mu ...Read More >
PTC Web Desk: India is expected to witness a massive nationwide shutdown (Bharat Bandh) on July 9 as over 25 crore workers from key critical sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, highways, and public transport -- gear up for a day-long Bharat Bandh. The strike has been called by 10 central trade unions and their allied organisations to protest against the Centre's economic and labour policies, which they allege are anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate in nature. Who is participating in the strike? More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in t ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 1 (PTI) Lakhs of trucks and other goods carriage vehicles in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra will go on indefinite strike to oppose the e-challan system for traffic violations, and other demands from Tuesday midnight, transporters said. The operators of buses, including those involved in ferrying school children, however, announced they would postpone their participation in the strike at the request of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who said the warkaris (Lord Vitthal devotees) would face inconvenience as Ashadi Ekadashi is just round the corner. Taking cognizance of the ...Read More >
Jammu: Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Jammu and Kashmir, Mehraj Malik, has stirred a fresh controversy by questioning the qualification of Education Minister, Sakina Itoo over the new school timings in the Union Territory after summer vacation. Schools in Kashmir Division and Winter Zone Jammu reopened on Tuesday after a 15-day summer break following announcement by Education Minister Itoo the preceding day. The announcement put an end to speculations over extension in the vacation amid sweltering summer heat. While the move against extending the summer vacation in Kashmir was vindicated by modera ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), considered the richest civic body in the country, tabled its budget of Rs 74,427 crore for 2025-26 at its headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday. The additional municipal commissioners presented the budget to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the state-appointed administrator. BMC is currently run by an administrator since the term of the corporators ended on March 7, 2022. This is the third year of the budget being presented to the administrator, in deviation from the norm where the municipal commissioner presents the budget to the standing co ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the reopening of 'buried' cases of those who lost their lives to terrorist attacks in the last three decades. The directions follow Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha's meeting with the families of civilians killed by the terrorists in the Valley on Sunday, as part of the Centre's initiative to enable families shattered by terrorism to share their pain and expose the conspiracies of the terror ecosystem. The event, organised by 'Save Youth, Save Future Foundation', saw over 80 families from three districts of south Kashmir, includi ...Read More >
Ramban/Jammu, Jul 5 (PTI) At least 36 Amarnath pilgrims, hailing from different states, suffered minor injuries when five buses slammed into each other in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district on Saturday, officials said. The buses were part of a convoy headed for the Pahalgam base camp of the pilgrimage in south Kashmir from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar. All the injured persons rejoined the yatra after receiving treatment at the Ramban district hospital. The accident took place near Chanderkote, along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, at around 8 am due to the failure of the brakes of one of the ...Read More >
Mumbai: Net profit of Nifty 50 companies at the aggregate level is expected to increase 4.6% year-on-year while revenue may increase 4.5% for the June 2025 quarter. Net profit is likely to show single-digit year-on-year growth for the first time in at least nine quarters amid an anticipated poor performance by select companies, including Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank and Coal India. The sample's revenue is expected to grow in single digit for the fourth consecutive quarter reflecting persistent muted demand scenario. Select companies from metals, pharmaceuticals, cement, banking and finance and ...Read More >
Irfan Tramboo Srinagar, July 8: Schools across Kashmir reopened today after a 15-day summer break, with new timing announced by the School Education Department (SED). Education Minister Sakeena Itoo said that the timings are "not final" and subject to revision based on public feedback. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp As early as 7:30 a.m., students were seen heading to their schools, accompanied by parents. Queues of yellow school buses were witnessed outside major institutions, with some parents welcoming the revised schedule and others voicing concerns. Rukaya, a parent ac ...Read More >
Srinagar, July 12 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the women-led development in Jammu and Kashmir is key to eradicating terrorism and ushering in lasting peace and prosperity. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO Addressing the valedictory function of women vocational training course at Army Goodwill School Balapur here in Shopian, the LG said, "Under PM Modi's guidance women's empowerment has been transformed into a mass movement in Jammu and Kashmir. The social and economic upliftment of women has been our top priority. I strongly believe that women-led development will lead us to ov ...Read More >
Srinagar, July 13 (UNI) 17 Amarnath pilgrims sustained minor injuries today in a road accident in Kulgam district of south Kashmir in a multi vehicle collision, officials said. They said three buses collided at Khudwani area along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway resulting in injuries to 17 pilgrims, all residents of Madhya Pradesh. Officials said the injured were promptly shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. " All the injured, including some women received minor injuries. The vehicles involved in the collision were towed away with the help of cranes, while the remaining yatris we ...Read More >
Srinagar, July 14 (UNI) As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, Police in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir conducted a detailed mock drill along the designated Yatra route today. So far more than two lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas , since the Yatra began on July 3 Police said the mock drill was carried out at strategically significant points to assess the ...Read More >
Pune: Hospitals in Pune have started reporting an increase in dengue cases among children following recent heavy rainfall and intermittent showers. Conditions are now ripe for mosquito breeding, experts said, as they warned citizens to ensure there's no waterlogging or stagnant pools near homes and offices. "Dengue is typically seen first in children as they often play outside," said Dr Sagar Lad, a senior neonatologist and pediatric intensivist at Jehangir Hospital and Sahyadri Hospital, Shastrinagar. Dr Lad said he's seen at least three children admitted for dengue this week, with all of the ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 28 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) will kickstart the Kashmir leg of its political movement 'Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq' from south Kashmir's Kulgam district today. The campaign, aimed at advocating the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, has already completed its first phase in the Jammu region. A party spokesman said J&K Congress president Tariq Karra and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and AICC general secretary GA Mir will address a party workers' convention at Chawalgam in Kulgam, formally launching the campaign in Kas ...Read More >
Mumbai: Senior BJP leader Ravindra Chavan is all set to become the next Maharashtra BJP chief as he filed his nomination for the post of party's state president on Monday. Mr. Chavan presented the nomination forms to Union Minister Kiran Rijiju, who has been appointed as a central observer for the elections by the BJP. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and outgoing party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule were present on this occasion. With no other nomination being filed for the post, Mr. Chavan is certain to become the next state president of Maharashtra BJP, said party leaders. The ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jul 2 (PTI) Local authorities gave a warm welcome to the first batch of Amarnath yatra pilgrims at several places in Kashmir, as hundreds of them turned up at in the valley Wednesday. The first batch of 5,892 yatris was flagged off from the yatra base camp in Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Upon their arrival in the Kashmir valley, the pilgrims' convoys received a rousing welcome from the administration, and the locals, in Kulgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts, officials said. The pilgrims reached the valley through the Navyug tunnel in Qazigund area ...Read More >
Baramulla, Jul 5: Hundreds of mourners from Delina and its neighbouring villages Saturday participated in the Muharram procession, the 9th day of the month of Muharram-Ul-Haram at Delina area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The procession was one of the series of processions being held in the month of Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar. Dressed in black and carrying flags bearing religious inscriptions, participants from the villages of Hygam, Bulgam, Bohripora, Syedpora, Uri, Boniyar and other villages marched from new Imambargah through the National Highway NH-1 to the ma ...Read More >
Srinagar: Schools in Kashmir reopened on Tuesday after two weeks of summer vacation as heavy rains on Monday ended the prolonged heatwave in the valley. The schools opened amidst criticism of the government's decision to advance the school timing to 7.30 am. The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday decided against extending the summer vacations despite no signs of heatwave abating in the valley. However, within a couple of hours of the announcement, heavy rains lashed the valley and the temperature came down to normal levels across Kashmir. Some parents were critical of the new schedule ...Read More >
Amarnath Yatra: Over two lakh devotees have 'darshan', fresh batch of 6143 leaves for Kashmir Srinagar: Over the last 11 days, since it began on July 3, more than two lakh pilgrims have undertaken the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, as another batch of 6,143 pilgrims departed from Jammu for Kashmir on Monday. Officials said, "Another batch of 6,143 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. First escorted convoy of 100 vehicles carrying 2,215 Yatris left at 3.30 a.m. for Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 135 vehicles carrying 3,928 Yatris ...Read More >