Students and MY Bharat youth volunteers cleaned the school premises and surrounding areas and were sensitised about hygiene, waste segregation, responsible waste disposal, environmental protection and avoiding single-use plastics.

The volunteers urged students to become “Ambassadors of Cleanliness” and spread awareness about cleanliness and responsible waste management in their homes and communities.

The programme also focused on promoting leadership, teamwork and community service among youth. Participants later pledged to maintain cleanliness and contribute towards a cleaner and healthier Budgam.

The tournament was formally inaugurated by SSP Handwara Tahir Saleem Khan, bringing together 16 youth teams from across the region. While interacting with the participants, the SSP emphasized the critical role of athletic discipline in channelizing youth energy constructively and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening community connection through sports initiatives.

Nagoya : One specialist who deserves ample credit for India’s breakthrough performances in distance running at the 2026 Asian Games is American coach Scott Simmons. Gulveer Singh, Seema Kumari and SawanBarwal — Indian athletes and medalists from Aichi-Nagoya — have undergone intense training under him at the high-altitude training base in Colorado Springs, USA.

Gulveer produced one of the most standout track performances in Nagoya, racing four times across five days and returning with three medals — silver in the 10,000m and 1,500m and bronze in the 5,000m. Gulveer’s haul came after his historic two-medal performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, where he won silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m.

Simmons, under whose tutelage Gulveer trains at Colorado Springs, said the plan for him had been built primarily around the 10,000m. Training specifically for that event also contributed to Gulveer’s performances over the shorter distances. “The plan proved to be very successful,” Simmons told SAI Media on Wednesday. “We obviously prepared 100% for the 10,000m. And Gulveer gave his best challenge, ending up with the silver. We thought that was his best event, but it also prepared him for the 1500m as a byproduct.”

Gulveer’s three Asian Games medals represented a significant progression from his 10,000m bronze at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. The key to that progression has been continuity, as per the American. Simmons recalled observing India’s distance runners when he first came to Bengaluru in early 2022 and described the discipline as a “sleeping giant”, but said the athletes needed time, support and consistent training to realise their potential.

“We just needed the time and the support from the Indian government, from Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and other stakeholders to give these athletes the opportunity to do the correct training, give them time to develop and continue the consistency,” Simmons, a highly regarded distance running coach in the US, said.

The AFI, under ACTC support from the Union sports ministry, made a decisive push to send athletes such as Gulveer back to the United States for a continuous six-month stretch before Nagoya. That extended stint gave him the opportunity to train consistently in Colorado Springs and compete alongside athletes operating at a high level internationally.

“I think in the past, there was no consistency. There was always a late rush to get fitness for Asian Championships and Asian Games, whereas in distance running in particular, it’s like building a house. You’re always building the house. And when you’re not building the house, then you’re tearing down the house. And Gulveer’s done such a good job of continuing one step after another after another,” said Simmons in a video conference ahead of his flight back home from Nagoya.

That same environment has also been important for SawanBarwal, who delivered another landmark performance in Nagoya. Barwal won silver in the men’s marathon in 2:11:37, improving his own national record and ending India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games marathon medal.

Simmons said Barwal’s development was carefully structured despite his limited marathon experience. Simmons highlighted the value of Barwal’s training alongside established marathoners in Colorado Springs. “He’s been able to do training with athletes on that level,” Simmons said, referring to the world-class runners in the group.

“He (Barwal) does have some struggles because he’s still young and he’s still new to the distance. But this was a very good build-up. It’ll be better the next time, for sure. He can make further gains through more marathon-specific preparation and hopes that progression can eventually lead to qualification for the Beijing World Championships.”

The gains have not been restricted to Gulveer and Barwal. Simmons also pointed to the performances of other Indian athletes in his training group, including Seema Kumari, who won bronze in the women’s 10,000m in Nagoya — India’s first Asian Games medal in the event since 2010. He said the common factor was an environment in which athletes train together, learn from one another and collectively push towards a higher level.

“When we all pull together and we train together, then everybody improves and everybody can get to this next level. And we saw that obviously with the Indians’ performance here in Nagoya,” said Simmons.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Simmons said the Indian athletes in Colorado Springs now have the belief that they can qualify, even as the qualification standards become increasingly demanding. He said training alongside athletes who are themselves targeting Los Angeles creates a competitive environment in which everyone can improve.

“They believe they can qualify and qualifying is more difficult than it’s ever been,” Simmons said. “But again, they’re in a training group with others that have their eyes set on it also.”  The American coach also called for two to four younger Indian athletes to be brought into the long-distance programme now, noting that reaching this level of competency could take two to four years.

The Government stated that, vide S.O. 119 of 2026 dated 22.04.2026, it had omitted the provisions contained in S.O. 599 of 2022 dated 15.11.2022, which had earlier provided exemption from Environmental Clearance for manual customary extraction of sand, silt and clay by local Hanjis, Khanias, Muleteers and others.

This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary while replying to a calling attention Notice moved by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi regarding the need to keep in abeyance the recent order regarding Environmental Clearance for lifting/removal of loose material and to review its implication for stone quarry operations, employment and availability of construction material.

Dy CM stated that the exemptions earlier available under the said provisions are no longer permissible in view of the Supreme Court judgement, and that further extraction of minor minerals has to be undertaken strictly in alignment with the notification dated 28.03.2020. Stone quarrying, it added, also requires Environmental Clearance, given the scope of exemption under the said notification.

The Government said that any extraction of minor minerals can accordingly be undertaken only in strict accordance with the statutory and regulatory framework presently in force, including obtaining requisite regulatory clearances such as Environmental Clearance, wherever applicable.

Clarifying the nature of its earlier communication dated 08.09.2026, the Government submitted that it was in the nature of a direction to ensure compliance with the statutory and regulatory framework presently in force, and does not by itself introduce any new or independent requirement of Environmental Clearance.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Ali Mohammad Dar regarding the status of bridges, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Chadoora main bridge was technically inspected by NIT Srinagar, following which recommendations were received on February 2, 2026. He informed the House that, based on the technical recommendations, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for restoration/reconstruction of the bridge was prepared and Administrative Approval amounting to ₹999.54 lakh was accorded. The work was subsequently awarded on August 3, 2026 and is presently in progress.

Regarding the alternate bridge near New Bus Stand, Chadoora, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the bridge has already been constructed. He said that ₹50 lakh has been provided under UT Capex 2026-27 for completion of its approach road. He further informed that the land acquisition process and alignment feasibility for the approach road are presently under progress. The approach road and commissioning of the alternate bridge will be taken up thereafter, subject to completion of the requisite land acquisition and other related formalities.

On the status of the Hanjigund bridge, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it forms part of the work titled “Construction of Road (Diversion) from Hanjigund to Chadoora via Dawlatpora, including 1×35 metre span truss girder bridge,” sanctioned under NABARD. He informed that the bridge, along with approximately 2.50 km of road, has been completed, with the overall physical progress of the project reaching 76 per cent. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the work is nearing completion, except for a minor portion, which is also being addressed by the concerned authorities.

Samba :District Development Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan Friday chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) for the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to review the implementation of programme and its ground impact in the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the district.

The Committee reviewed applications/cases sponsored by different departments. A total of 206 cases were approved, including 97 sponsored by Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, 74 by Horticulture, 23 by Sheep Husbandry, 9 by Animal Husbandry, 2 by Fisheries and 1 by HPM.

The DDC directed the concerned departments to expedite application processing, beneficiary enrolment, verification and sanctioning of cases on the designated portal to achieve prescribed targets within the stipulated timeline. She stressed the need for output tracking through digital monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and real-time assessment of outcomes. She further directed officers to ensure timely achievement of physical and financial targets, clear pending cases and facilitate timely disbursement of benefits.

The DDC also called for expediting expenditure under HADP and completion of Daksh Kisan training and certification. She stressed timely establishment and tracking of units under KSOT and effective on-ground execution of projects.

Emphasising wider outreach, the DDC directed the concerned departments to enrol more farmers under the Kisan KhidmatGhar (KKG) initiative to maximise the impact of HADP across the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Champa Devi Thakur, along with other concerned officers.

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Among those present were Lead District Officer (LDO) RBI Sourabh Gupta; District Development Manager (DDM) NABARD Vikrant; representatives from banks and officials from the line departments.

The Chairperson emphasized the need for active participation of all banks in the ongoing Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign to ensure comprehensive coverage of eligible beneficiaries under various financial inclusion schemes. He also directed banks to expedite the disposal of pending cases under Government-Sponsored Schemes and Mission YUVA, ensuring timely sanction and disbursement of eligible applications.

Stressing the importance of improving the district’s Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio, he advised banks to enhance credit flow through increased lending to productive sectors and eligible borrowers, thereby contributing to economic growth and development in the district.

The meeting reviewed the performance of banks in key areas relating to deposits, advances under the priority sector, financial inclusion initiatives and implementation of Government-sponsored schemes.

The issues concerning credit flow and banking outreach in the district were discussed and banks as well as line departments were advised to work in close coordination for achieving the developmental and financial inclusion objectives.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Sopore, S.A Raina was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the ADC encouraged students to actively participate in sports and other co-curricular activities for their overall physical and mental development. He advised them to stay away from drugs and other harmful practices and focus on their studies, health and future goals.

The ADC urged the students to choose their friends wisely and develop a positive friend circle that encourages good habits, discipline, learning and healthy activities. He also encouraged them to work hard and make their parents and teachers proud through responsible conduct and positive achievements.

He further urged parents to closely monitor the academic progress, activities and overall well-being of their wards and maintain regular communication with teachers. He stressed that coordinated efforts by parents and teachers play an important role in guiding children towards a healthy, disciplined and successful future.

The ADC appreciated the school administration and teaching staff for organising the interaction programme and providing a platform for meaningful interaction among students, parents and teachers.

PIB

New Dehli, : The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the National Service Scheme (NSS), launched the “My Health, My Pride” initiative on September 25, 2026, as part of the NashaMuktYuva for Viksit Bharat campaign.

The nationwide effort aimed to enhance health, nutrition, and wellness awareness while addressing the harmful effects of substance abuse among youth. The initiative engaged 167 educational institutions and their associated villages, attracting a total participation of 175,368 individuals. Key activities included health screenings and expert-led awareness sessions, with 48,556 youth aged 15-18 receiving health check-ups and BMI assessments in collaboration with District Health Authorities. Two significant sessions focused on nutrition and the impact of addiction, engaging 64,938 and 61,874 participants, respectively. Additionally, around 62,000 young people took the Substance-Free Pledge, emphasizing the campaign’s commitment to prevention and informed decision-making. The program also featured participation from local leaders and medical professionals, with 95 institutions hosting experts to inaugurate events and interact with attendees. Notably, female youth represented a substantial portion of the participants, accounting for 53% in nutrition sessions and 52.6% in de-addiction sessions. The initiative is part of a broader 100-week campaign structured around four pillars: Prevent, Protect, Recover, and Lead, with the first cycle focusing on health, fitness, and life skills. The campaign demonstrated flexibility in adapting to local conditions, with some activities postponed due to regional observances and adverse weather. These will be rescheduled accordingly. Overall, the “My Health, My Pride” initiative underscores the importance of awareness, preventive health measures, and informed choices in fostering a healthier, substance-free youth community.

Government and industry data suggest the threat is now both widespread and increasingly organised. According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Indians lost more than ₹52,976 crore to cyber fraud over the last six years. NCRB data also shows a steady rise in cybercrime cases, even as overall crime levels across the country have declined.

As digital services become more deeply embedded in everyday life, across banking, payments, healthcare, commerce, and government services, telecom networks are expected to play a larger role in digital safety. Users increasingly expect networks not just to provide connectivity, but also to identify and reduce risks linked to digital communication.

Two years ago, Airtel anticipated this shift and took a first-mover approach to customer protection. In 2024, Airtel launched India’s first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution by a telecom provider, bringing together network intelligence and artificial intelligence to protect customers from spam calls and SMSs.

Since then, Airtel has expanded its AI-powered Safe Network initiative over the past 2 years as part of a broader push toward network-level fraud prevention. The aim is to create security systems that work in the background, without requiring customers to install additional apps or manually report threats.

Airtel’s Safe Network has evolved into a broader suite of network-led digital safety tools. Its major components include:  OTP-linked fraud protection:Malicious link detection: