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China’s mega Himalayan dam raises alarm downstream in India, Bangladesh

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China’s mega Himalayan dam raises alarm downstream in India, Bangladesh

New Delhi, Dec 17: Hundreds of miles from China’s eastern seaboard, a dramatic bend in a remote Himalayan River is poised to host one of Beijing’s most ambitious and controversial infrastructure projects, a $168 billion hydropower system on Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo river that could reshape regional energy, ecology and geopolitics.

According to a detailed report by CNN, the project, expected to generate more electricity than any dam in the world, will harness a 2000-metre drop in altitude at the river’s “Great Bend” through a network of tunnels, dams, and underground power stations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has personally pushed for the project to be “advanced forcefully, systematically, and effectively,” underscoring its strategic importance for China’s clean-energy push and national security goals.

While Beijing projects the dam as a climate-friendly alternative to coal, experts warn that its consequences will not stop at China’s borders.

Tens of millions of people in downstream India and Bangladesh depend on the river Brahmaputra after it enters India, for drinking water, agriculture and fisheries.

Scientists cited by CNN caution that the environmental and hydrological impacts on these downstream regions remain poorly studied.

Indian media has already labelled the project a potential “water bomb,” reflecting concerns that China could gain leverage over transboundary water flows, especially during periods of political tension.

The dam’s location near the disputed China-India border in Arunachal Pradesh further raises fears that water could become a strategic tool in an already volatile bilateral relationship.

“This is the most sophisticated, innovative dam system the planet has ever seen,” Brian Eyler of the Stimson Center told CNN, adding that it is also “the riskiest and potentially the most dangerous.”

Alterations in sediment flow, seasonal flooding patterns and fish migration could significantly affect farming and fishing livelihoods in Assam and downstream Bangladesh, experts warn. China, however, has rejected such concerns.

In a statement to CNN, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the project had undergone “decades of in-depth research” and included “thorough measures for engineering safety and ecological protection,” insisting it would not adversely affect downstream countries.

Beijing also claimed it has maintained transparency and would share necessary information as the project progresses.

Yet analysts say transparency has been limited.

CNN’s investigation, drawing on satellite imagery, official documents and open-source data, indicates extensive construction activity since July, including road-building, bridge construction, and village relocations, even as detailed technical information remains scarce.

As construction gathers pace, India and Bangladesh face a shared dilemma: how to engage a powerful upstream neighbour on an opaque project that could alter the ecological and economic lifelines of South Asia’s great river basin for decades to come.

Greater Kashmir

No Aadhaar data breach from UIDAI database to date: Govt

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No Aadhaar data breach from UIDAI database to date: Govt

New Delhi, Dec 17: There has been no breach of Aadhaar card holders’ data from the Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) database till date, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

The ministry emphasised about the safety of the world’s largest biometric identity system.

“Aadhaar is the world’s largest biometric identity system with approximately 134 crores live Aadhaar holders,” the ministry said.

“It has completed more than 16,000 crore authentication transactions,” it added.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada said Aadhaar continues to remain secure due to strong technological and institutional safeguards put in place by the government.

Aadhaar, issued by UIDAI, has around 134 crore live Aadhaar number holders. Since its launch, the system has processed more than 16,000 crore authentication transactions, making it the largest biometric identity programme in the world.

The minister said UIDAI follows a multi-layered security framework based on the “defence-in-depth” approach to protect personal data.

“This means several levels of protection are built into the system, so even if one layer is compromised, others continue to safeguard the data,” the ministry stated.

“The entire system is regularly reviewed and audited to ensure it remains secure,” it added.

To prevent misuse or interception, Aadhaar data is protected using advanced encryption technologies, both when it is being transmitted and when it is stored.

The Aadhaar system has been declared a protected system, which brings it under the continuous watch of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).

The agency regularly provides security advisories to strengthen UIDAI’s cybersecurity posture.

In addition, an independent audit agency has been engaged to build and monitor a Governance, Risk, Compliance and Performance framework for the Aadhaar ecosystem.

The minister further informed the House that UIDAI carries out continuous cybersecurity audits of its applications, including static and dynamic security testing, to identify and fix vulnerabilities at an early stage.

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IGNOU RC Srinagar observes sexual harassment prevention week

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IGNOU RC Srinagar observes sexual harassment prevention week

Srinagar, Dec 17: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Srinagar observed Sexual Harassment Prevention Week with a series of awareness and sensitisation activities aimed at reinforcing a safe, respectful and dignified environment for learning and work.

As part of the observance, a lecture and an awareness programme were conducted for officers, coordinators, academic counsellors and staff members of the Regional Centre, focusing on prevention, awareness and institutional commitment to eliminating sexual harassment in educational and workplace settings, said an official press release.

Dr AH Rizvi, Regional Director in his welcome address underscored the importance of sexual harassment prevention as a cornerstone of institutional ethics and human dignity. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment through comprehensive policies, including the Prevention of Sexual Harassment framework in educational institutions.

Prof Aamina Parveen, Head, Department of Education, University of Kashmir delivered the keynote address. Dr Nusrat, Bilquees Ara and Shuffali Manzoor also spoke on the occasion. The speakers focused on the broader educational and societal dimensions of gender equity and harassment prevention, covering legal and ethical aspects of sexual harassment, the importance of gender sensitisation in educational curricula, practical strategies to recognise, respond to and prevent incidents.

 

 

 

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Tramboo Sports congratulates Auqib Nabi on IPL selection

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Tramboo Sports congratulates Auqib Nabi on IPL selection

Srinagar, Dec 17: Tramboo Sports on Wednesday congratulated Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Auqib Nabi on his selection into the Delhi Capitals squad for the Indian Premier League, terming the achievement a reflection of his talent, discipline and years of perseverance. The company, as per a statement issued, expressed pride in being part of Auqib’s journey from Kashmir to the top tier of Indian cricket and said his success continues to inspire aspiring cricketers across the region.

“This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to his talent, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the game,” the statement read.

He represents the dreams of countless young cricketers who aspire to make it big through dedication and perseverance. Tramboo Sports is immensely proud to have been part of his journey and is confident that he will make a strong impact with Delhi Capitals.

The statement added, “It is a moment of immense pride for Tramboo Sports that Auqib will continue his professional journey using Tramboo equipment on this prestigious platform.”

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MRI services at SMHS, Super Specialty Hospital Srinagar to resume from Dec 18

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MRI services at SMHS, Super Specialty Hospital Srinagar to resume from Dec 18

Srinagar, Dec 17: Administrator, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, has informed that MRI services at Government SMHS Hospital and Government Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar will resume from tomorrow, December 18, 2025.

The MRI facility had been temporarily suspended due to scheduled maintenance involving de-icing of the magnet to ensure optimal performance and uninterrupted functioning of the equipment. The Administrator stated that the de-icing process has now been successfully completed.

Accordingly, MRI investigations will once again be conducted within the hospital campus, providing relief to patients and ensuring continuity of diagnostic services.

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Four residential houses gutted in J&K’s Bhaderwah

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Four residential houses gutted in J&K’s Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah Dec 17: In a major fire incident that erupted in Karal Mohalla locality of Puneja village in J&K’s Bhaderwah, four residential houses belonging to Raj Mohd, Abdul Shakoor, Abdul Qayoom and Jan Mohd were gutted.

Although fire tenders could not reach the Puneja village immediately which is just 7-km away from the town but the incident site is located at hill top 1-km from motorable road.

SDPO Bhaderwah Naveed Qazi who was supervising the fire extinguishing operation said that despite being located 1-km uphill from the motorable road, the fire has been brought under control.

Locals along with police and fire tenders did a commendable job and risked their lives to bring the rapidly spreading fire under control, but till then four houses got gutted in the fire.

The cause of the fire is not known yet while locals alleged that the fire could have been controlled easily and property worth crores saved if there would have been a motorable road to the village which has a population of about 1500 people.

“I noticed the flames coming from the top floor and due to wind the fire rapidly spread to the adjoining houses, although we informed fire tenders immediately but it took them one hour to trek the hill and reach the incident site,” said Mohd Iqbal, an eye witness.

“If there would have been a motorable road to the village, there would have been a minimum loss. Still we are thankful to SDPO and his team who risked their life to douse the flames,” Iqbal added.

“We are a meager vote bank for the politicians and only get promises which always turn fake, the motorable road could have saved the homes of poor but there is no one to listen to our miseries instead every time we get lame excuses,” Siad Durga Devi, a resident of Puneja.

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Army inducts tanks, artillery into Kashmir Valley via military special train

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Army inducts tanks, artillery into Kashmir Valley via military special train

Srinagar, Dec 17: The Indian Army on Wednesday inducted tanks and artillery guns into the Kashmir Valley through a Military Special Train, marking a major logistics milestone and a significant boost to operational readiness along the northern borders.

The Army, in a post on X, said that the induction was carried out as part of a validation exercise, during which tanks, artillery guns and dozers were successfully moved from the Jammu region to Anantnag, demonstrating enhanced mobility and logistics capability.

The Army said the move was achieved in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways, highlighting the transformative impact of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in enabling rapid logistics build-up.

“Enhancing Capabilities Along the Borders. The Indian Army achieved a major logistics milestone on 16 December 2025 with the induction of tanks and artillery guns into the Kashmir Valley by a Military Special Train. As part of the validation exercise, tanks, artillery guns and dozers were successfully moved from the Jammu Region to Anantnag, Kashmir demonstrating enhanced mobility and logistical capability,” it said.

It added; “This milestone was achieved in close coordination with Railway ministry, underscoring the transformative impact of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project in enabling rapid logistics build-up and strengthening operational readiness along the Northern Borders”. (KNO)

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5 Best Islamic Prayer Apps and Salah Tools for 2026

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5 Best Islamic Prayer Apps and Salah Tools for 2026

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with our daily prayers can be quite challenging, isn’t it? Whether you’re rushing between classes, stuck in office meetings, or traveling across different time zones, maintaining regular prayer times needs proper planning. But don’t worry, yaar – technology is here to help! I’ve tested dozens of Islamic apps, and the one that stands out as the absolute best is QuranTime. This app is very useful for every Muslim, whether you’re a busy professional, student, or homemaker – it’ll help you stay perfectly on track with your salah.

  1. QuranTime – The Ultimate Prayer Companion


QuranTime has become a massive hit in our Muslim community, and wallahi, it’s not hard to see why! This beauty of an app comes with features that make keeping up with your daily prayers easily – including accurate prayer time today notifications no matter where you are. Let me tell you what makes it so special.

First off, the prayer timing system is dead accurate. The app shows you all five daily prayer times based on your exact location, and here’s what’s proper smart – it tells you exactly how long until your next prayer. Perfect for planning your day, isn’t it? Whether you’re in the office, university, or traveling, you’ll never miss a prayer time!

What makes QuranTime extra special is how it caters to everyone. For the tech-savvy youngsters, there’s a sleek interface with cool statistics and graphs showing your prayer consistency. For our elderly family members who aren’t too familiar with technology, the basic features are very simple to use. Just tap once, and boom – you’ve got your prayer times and Qibla direction right there!

The Qibla finder is brilliant too. Using your phone’s compass, it shows you exactly which direction to pray. What’s really clever is how it helps you calibrate – if something’s interfering with the compass, the app guides you to find a better spot. No internet? No tension! Everything works offline too.

Here’s what makes this app special:

  • Completely free to use – no hidden charges!
  • No annoying ads to distract you
  • Works perfectly on all devices
  • Super accurate prayer times and built-in Qibla finder Online
  • Smart compass that actually works
  • Clean interface that everyone can understand

The app even includes a handy calendar converter that switches between Gregorian and Hijri dates as quick as anything. It is very useful for keeping track of important Islamic dates and events! The calculations are accurate, based on authentic astronomical data.

2. IslamicFinder – Your All-in-One Islamic Solution

If you’re looking for an app that does everything but make chai for you, IslamicFinder is your best bet! This powerhouse of an app has become very famous among Muslims, and there’s a good reason for it. The prayer time calculations are spot on, taking into account your exact location down to the street level. The Qibla finder is so accurate, it’s like having a built-in compass that never goes wrong!

But wait, there’s more! IslamicFinder goes beyond just prayer times. It’s like having a complete Islamic calendar in your pocket. You get updates about local Islamic events, nearby mosques, and even halal restaurants in your area. The app includes authentic duas and adhkar for different occasions, complete with beautiful recitations and translations. For those who travel a lot, the app automatically adjusts prayer times based on your location – proper, convenient, isn’t it?

3. Muslim Assistant – Your Smart Prayer Guide

Muslim Assistant is like having a knowledgeable friend who’s always there to help you with your prayers. What sets this app apart is its brilliant AI-powered features that adapt to your daily routine. If you’re someone who’s always rushing between meetings or lectures, this app is a proper lifesaver! It learns from your schedule and sends prayer reminders at the most convenient times.

The app comes with a very useful feature for new Muslims or those wanting to improve their prayer form – a detailed step-by-step prayer guide with visual instructions and audio. The prayer tracking system is quite sophisticated, allowing you to log both fard and sunnah prayers. Plus, the app includes beautiful Quran recitations and translations, making it a complete package for your spiritual needs.

4. Athan – The Voice of Prayer

Athan app has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable prayer apps out there, and blimey, its features are impressive! The standout feature has to be its collection of crystal-clear adhan recordings from famous muezzins worldwide. You can choose your favorite voice, and the sound quality is amazing, even on basic phones.

What makes Athan extra special is its battery-friendly design – it won’t drain your phone’s juice like other apps. The prayer calendar automatically adjusts for daylight savings and location changes, which is useful when you’re traveling. The app also includes a neat widget for your home screen, showing prayer times at a glance. For those who travel frequently, the offline mode ensures you never miss a prayer, even without internet connection.

5. Muslim and Quran – The Complete Islamic Package

Muslim and Quran app is like having a mini Islamic library in your pocket! This beautiful app combines prayer tracking with Quranic features in a way that’s organized and easy to use. The interface is so clean and intuitive, even your grandfather can use it without any hassle!

The app offers multiple prayer time calculation methods to suit different madhabs, and the prayer tracker is quite detailed. What’s impressive is its Ramadan features – from fasting times to taraweeh prayer schedules, it’s got everything sorted. The app also includes a brilliant Islamic calendar converter and a comprehensive collection of duas and adhkar.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing the right prayer app really depends on what you’re looking for, isn’t it? If you want something simple and motivating, go for QuranTime. For a complete Islamic toolkit, IslamicFinder is your best bet. Muslim Assistant is perfect for busy professionals who need smart scheduling. Athan is brilliant for those who love high-quality adhan recordings, and Muslim and Quran is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive Islamic app.

Remember, these apps are meant to make our lives easier, not to replace traditional Islamic practices. They’re proper helpful tools for staying organized with our prayers, especially in today’s hectic world. Many of our brothers and sisters have found these apps useful in maintaining their daily prayers, particularly during busy work days or while traveling.

Here’s a quick tip: start with the free version of these apps to see which one suits you best. Most of them offer premium features that are worth investing in if you find them helpful. Also, don’t forget to keep your phone charged and the app updated for the most accurate prayer times!

May Allah make it easy for all of us to maintain our prayers and strengthen our iman. These apps are proper blessings in our modern world, helping us stay connected with our deen while managing our busy lives. Do share these apps with your family and friends – spreading good is sadaqah! And remember, the best app is the one that actually helps you pray on time, so choose wisely and stick to it.

Download any of these apps today and take the first step towards a more organized prayer life, insha’Allah. Whether you’re a student managing classes, a professional juggling meetings, or someone who just wants to improve their prayer consistency, these apps will definitely make your spiritual journey easier!

Greater Kashmir

PDP protests against NC govt’s ‘failure on all fronts’, demands resignation of Omar Abdullah

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PDP protests against NC govt’s ‘failure on all fronts’, demands resignation of Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Dec 17: The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday held protests against the National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir for its “failure on all fronts, including non-fulfilment of poll promises”.

The party also sought resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allegedly “losing control over his government”.

Led by PDP’s Jammu general secretary Rajinder Singh Manhas, scores of party workers, carrying placards and raising slogans, protested outside the party headquarters in Jammu.

“The National Conference (NC) government has failed on all fronts. They have failed to deliver on their commitments and have betrayed the people. Under their more than one-year rule, Jammu and Kashmir and its people are facing problems on every front,” Manhas told reporters.

He accused the government of indulging in blame game instead of taking responsibility, and said issues like squad selection for the Santosh Trophy football championship are being used to divert attention from core public concerns.

“The Santosh Trophy team selection is diverting people’s attention from the failure of the NC government on all fronts. They say the decision is not in their hands. They blame it on the lieutenant-governor, and the lieutenant-governor blames it on the Omar Abdullah government. They do not have command over the government. So, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his NC government should resign,” Manhas said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council came under criticism recently after several political parties and organisations alleged bias in Santosh Trophy team selection, stating that it discriminated against players from Jammu while prioritising those from Kashmir.

Manhas said the NC government has failed to implement its promises, including 200 units of free electricity, power bill waiver, one lakh jobs for youth, regularisation of 65,000 daily wagers and free LPG cylinders for women. “They deceived people during the elections,” he said.

The PDP leader further alleged that the state has come to a standstill on the development front and “issues after issues have made people suffer”.

“The deficient supply of stents and other cardiac devices has also made patients in the UT suffer,” he added.

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Police arrest 2 drug peddlers in Baramulla, heroin-like substance recovered

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Police arrest 2 drug peddlers in Baramulla, heroin-like substance recovered

Srinagar, Dec 17: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested 02 drug peddlers in Baramulla and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

According to the statement, a police party of Police Post Wagoora, led by Incharge Wagoora, at a checkpoint established at Mangam Wagoora Crossing intercepted and apprehended 02 suspicious persons. They have been identified as Abdul Qayoom Lone, son of Ghulam Hassan Lone, resident of Kalantra Bala; and Suraj Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh, resident of Sheikhpora Kreeri. During their personal search, contraband substance (heroin-like) weighing 8 grams and 2 grams along with cash amount of Rs 22,500 and Rs 500 respectively were recovered.

Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 90/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Kreeri and investigation has been taken up.

J&K Police remains firmly committed to eradicating the drug menace from the district and appeals to the public to cooperate by reporting any information regarding drug peddling or other anti-social activities to the nearest police station, reads the statement.

Greater Kashmir

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