New Delhi, Jul 27: The stalemate in the Lok Sabha is likely to end on Tuesday as Speaker Om Birla has convinced leaders of all political parties to take up discussion on the Bill to amend the anti-paper leak law, parliamentary sources said.
“All political parties have agreed to discuss the anti-paper leak bill on Tuesday. Following Om Birla’s initiative and sustained dialogue, floor leaders of political parties have agreed to commence discussion on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026,” a source said.
The Centre on Monday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the anti-paper leaks law with stricter punishment of up to 10 years in jail and Rs 50 lakh fine, days after nationwide student protests over the NEET fiasco that led to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as education minister.
The proposed legislation was introduced by Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh amidst protests and sloganeering by the Opposition demanding a response from the government over the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led July 20 protest march to Parliament.
However, no discussion could take place on the Bill as opposition refused to relent from its demand of seeking response from the government over police action on the protesters at Jantar Mantar here and other parts of the country.
Since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, the opposition has been raking up the NEET paper leak issue due to which no legislative business could be taken up so far, except for the introduction of two Bills.
Srinagar, Jul 27: As part of the Nasha Mukti Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar police on Monday attached immovable properties worth approximatly rupees 5.6 crore under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officials said.
“Continuing its sustained and uncompromising crackdown against drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukti Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police has attached immovable properties worth approximately ₹5.60 crores under the provisions of Section 68F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, dealing a significant blow to the financial infrastructure of narcotics traffickers,” a police official said.
In a press statement, a police spokesperson said that the properties attached by Police Station Saddar include a property worth approximately ₹65 lakh belonging to Mohd Yaseen Rather, son of Abdul Salam Rather, a resident of Chanapora, in connection with FIR No. 42/2023 registered under Sections 8/21 and 22 of the NDPS Act. Another property worth around ₹60 lakh belonging to Suhail Rashid Haroon, son of Abdul Rashid Haroon, a resident of Lane-I, Gousia Colony, Lal Nagar, was attached in connection with FIR No. 41/2025 registered under Sections 8/22 and 29 of the NDPS Act.
A property worth approximately ₹75 lakh belonging to Mohd Asif Rather, son of Abdul Rahman Rather, a resident of Bagh-i-Mehtab, was attached in connection with FIR No. 35/2026 under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act. Similarly, a property valued at around ₹35 lakh belonging to Arsalan Syed Beigh, son of Syed Ahmad Beigh, a resident of Azad Basti, Natipora, was attached in connection with FIR No. 28/2026 under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act.
The police also attached a property worth approximately ₹1 crore belonging to Hilal Ahmad Parray, son of Mohd Ismail Parray, a resident of Budshah Nagar, Natipora, in connection with FIR No. 23/2026 registered under Sections 8/21 and 29 of the NDPS Act. Another property worth around ₹75 lakh belonging to Danish Reyaz Shah, son of Reyaz Ahmad Shah, a resident of Sanat Nagar, was attached in connection with FIR No. 21/2025 under Sections 8/22 and 29 of the NDPS Act.
Besides, a property valued at approximately ₹70 lakh belonging to Saqib Naseer Beigh, son of Naseer Ahmad Beigh, a resident of Baramulla presently residing at Natipora, was attached in connection with FIR No. 45/2025 under Sections 8/21 and 29 of the NDPS Act. Police Station Saddar also attached a residential house worth approximately ₹80 lakh belonging to Shaheem Farooq Bhat, son of Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of SD Colony, Natipora. The property was attached in connection with FIR No. 08/2026 registered under Sections 8/21 and 29 of the NDPS Act.
All the attached properties have been identified as illegally acquired assets generated from the proceeds of illicit drug trafficking. The attachments have been carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act and are subject to confirmation by the Competent Authority wherever applicable, the statement said.
“These actions reflect Srinagar Police’s unwavering resolve to dismantle the financial backbone of drug trafficking syndicates by targeting assets amassed through the illegal narcotics trade. By depriving drug peddlers of their unlawfully acquired wealth, Srinagar Police aims to effectively disrupt the economic networks sustaining the drug menace and send a strong message that crime will not pay,” the spokesperson said.
Srinagar Police reiterated its steadfast commitment to making society drug-free and appeals to the public to continue extending their cooperation by sharing information regarding drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Every credible input received from the public is treated with utmost confidentiality and contributes significantly towards the success of the ongoing Nasha Mukti Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.
Jammu, Jul 27: A fresh landslide on Monday blocked the 250-km Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in the Udhampur district, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded, while the main bridge in the Doda district was temporarily closed to vehicular movement after suspected cracks triggered a safety inspection, officials said.
A massive landslide struck the strategic Jammu–Srinagar National Highway at Dewal in the Udhampur district early Monday, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular traffic from both directions, a traffic department official said.
He said the closure of the highway left around 1700 trucks and numerous passenger vehicles stranded between Udhampur and Banihal, which were being cleared through the single carriage way while repairs to the bumpy road surface were underway.
“Priority is being given to passenger vehicles,” he said, clarifying that no fresh vehicles from Jammu towards Srinagar, Doda, Ramban and Patnitop or vice versa would be allowed until the restoration work is completed.
He said the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic at the earliest.
“Commuters are advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe and reopened for traffic, as there is a risk of further landslides and shooting stones. People are also urged not to pay heed to rumours and to rely only on updates issued through the Traffic Police’s official social media handles for the latest road status,” the spokesman said.
However, officials said a fresh batch of 3,823 Amarnath pilgrims, travelling in a 140-vehicle convoy to the Baltal base camp under tight security, was allowed to cross the affected stretch after authorities restored one-way traffic on the highway.
Officials said normal traffic would resume once the second tube becomes operational within the next few hours. They said the temporary suspension of vehicular traffic was intended to enable the restoration agency to carry out the work swiftly and without any disruption.
Traffic on the highway had resumed on Sunday after remaining suspended for three days due to multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall. However, following the passage of the Amarnath Yatra convoy, vehicular movement was once again suspended for almost the entire day to facilitate landslide clearance operations in the Gangroo area along the Ramban–Banihal stretch.
Authorities closed the Pul Doda bridge late Sunday night after reports of visible cracks raised safety concerns.
Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Anil Mehra said an inspection by engineers found that the markings were not structural cracks but were likely caused by concrete overlap at shuttering joints during construction.
“There were speculations that cracks had developed on the bridge (following recent heavy rainfall). As a precautionary measure and from a safety point of view, we closed it to vehicular traffic during the night. After a detailed inspection this (Monday) morning, our initial assessment indicates that these are not structural cracks,” he said.
He said an expert team from Design Inspection and Quality Control had also been called in to independently assess the bridge and conduct quality checks to ensure there were no structural defects.
“Once the bridge is certified as safe, it will be reopened for vehicular traffic. At present, traffic has been diverted through the alternate Ganpat bridge. If the expert team identifies any defect, it will be rectified immediately before the bridge is reopened,” he said.
Mumbai, Jul 27: Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Monday following a sharp decline in crude oil prices amid easing tensions in the West Asia.
The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 566 points to 76,608.66 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty surged 153.60 points to 23,923.30.
“Market sentiment has improved meaningfully over the weekend after the US and Iran paused military action, easing fears of an immediate supply disruption. Brent crude has corrected sharply, offering a significant tailwind for India through lower inflation expectations, an improved current account outlook and reduced pressure on the rupee,” Rajesh Palviya, Head of Research, Axis Direct, said.
From the Sensex pack, InterGlobe Aviation, Infosys, Eternal, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finance were among the major gainers.
Bharti Airtel and ICICI Bank were the laggards.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, tanked 4 per cent lower at USD 92.84 per barrel.
“The sharp dip in Brent crude price from USD 102 four days ago to around USD 93 this morning is a positive sentiment for the market. If the deescalation of the West Asia conflict holds and crude price drifts lower, that can sustain a mild rally in the market,” VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,892.77 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.
In Asian markets, South Korea’s KOSPI traded lower, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index were also trading higher.
US markets ended mostly higher.
On Friday, the Sensex declined 331.62 points, or 0.43 per cent, to settle at 76,059.77. The Nifty dipped 102.15 points, or 0.43 per cent, to end at 23,767.45.
New Delhi, Jul 27: BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as Union education minister following students’ protests over NEET row, was welcomed by some BJP leaders in the Parliament complex on Monday with a traditional cap and stole amid slogans like ‘Pradhan Zindabad’.
Opposition MPs at the same time shouted slogans like ‘Chor Chor, Paper Chor’ and hit out at the ruling dispensation for felicitating Pradhan.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “These are the same people who even welcomed the rapists in the Bilkis Bano case, so let’s leave them aside. Pradhan is an RSS hero because he implemented the RSS agenda through the education ministry. That’s why he’s their hero. But as far as Pradhan is concerned, people now know his true self has we can see on social media and on roads.”
Hitting out at the government, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the BJP government is “not serious” about reforming the education system and termed the proposed anti-paper leak legislation a “cosmetic Bill”.
“I see that this government is not serious about reforming the Indian education system. Therefore, they have brought a cosmetic Bill… we already know that a main culprit of a previous scam, was let go by the court. Because sufficient evidence was not gathered, so what use of this fast-track amendment Bill. When this BJP government is hell-bent upon protecting those who are indulging in all this kind of scams,” Gogoi said.
Gogoi also questioned the government’s announcement of a new high-powered committee on education reforms, saying a similar panel headed by K Radhakrishnan had been constituted two years ago but “nothing happened” and it remained “only on paper”.
“Secondly, Prime Minister Modi himself is touting this new high-powered committee as if it’s a major reform. But just two years ago, there was another committee tasked with the same objective under K Radhakrishnan. Nothing happened, just mere on paper and for them even today, Pradhan is a successful education minister,” he said.
“So clearly, the BJP government and Prime Minister Modi do not want to reform the Indian education system,” he said.
PM Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms to make the exam system leakproof.
Referring to the police action against student protesters on July 20, Gogoi alleged that the government wanted to “protect” Home Minister Amit Shah and claimed that students in BJP-ruled states were facing FIRs and arrests, creating “a fear of reprisal”. He reiterated the opposition’s demand that the home minister make a statement in Parliament on the police action.
“…They don’t want to remove the RSS triangle hole on the Indian education system. They don’t want reform and for us, our purpose remains the same that the home minister must give a statement on the floor of the House as to how the police brutality was undertaken on 20th of July,” Gogoi said.
When asked about Pradhan being welcomed by BJP leaders, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said, “I see it in the same way they did for Bilkis Bano’s killers. By welcoming Pradhan, they are making him, a guilty person, hero from zero. This is exactly what they do. Their attitude has always been the same. That’s what I’ve been saying all along. This is the character of this government, and their values are zero.”
When reporters asked Pradhan for his reaction to the new anti-paper leak bill and on his resignation, he did not respond.
The government on Monday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the anti-paper leaks law with stricter punishment of up to 10 years in jail and Rs 50 lakh fine, within days of large-scale student protests against the NEET fiasco rocking the nation that forced Pradhan to resign as education minister.
The proposed legislation was introduced by Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh amid protests and sloganeering by the opposition demanding a response from the government over the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led July 20 protest march to Parliament.
According to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, investigations into paper leak cases are to be completed within two months.
Buying the right used car is often easier than arranging the loan. Delayed approvals, confusing interest rates, hidden processing fees, and unclear eligibility criteria can turn an affordable purchase into an expensive one. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can secure a used car loan quickly while keeping your overall borrowing cost under control.
A used car loan is often two checks rolled into one: the lender checks you, and it also checks the car. Lenders look at your credit score, income proof, and bank statements, in addition to separately verifying the car’s age, kilometres driven, RC status, and resale value. If anything in the vehicle’s file is unclear, the case moves out of the standard track into manual review.
Why used car loans take longer than new car loans
Unlike new cars, lenders must evaluate both the buyer and the vehicle. Besides assessing your income, repayment capacity, and credit history, they also verify the used car’s age, ownership records, insurance, outstanding loans, inspection report, and resale value. Because two separate evaluations are involved, incomplete documentation on either side can delay approval.
What actually decides how fast you get approved
Used car loan approvals depend on more than just your income. Lenders also evaluate your credit score, employment stability, existing loan obligations, down payment, and the age and condition of the car you’re buying. Here are the most important factors that lenders consider when disbursing a used car loan:
Credit Score: most lenders want 700+ for the fastest track. Anything between 650 and 700 still gets approved but at a higher rate and with more documentation.
Income Documents: salaried buyers with 3 months of salary slips, 6 months of bank statements, and Form 16 move fastest. Self-employed buyers need 2 years of ITR and audited financials and are usually slower.
Car Paperwork: RC in seller’s name, valid insurance, no pending challans, and a clean inspection report keep the file on the standard track.
Loan-to-value (LTV): a smaller loan against a higher down payment is approved faster because the lender carries less risk.
Lender Type: bank loans typically take longer than NBFC loans, but bank rates are usually lower. Platform-tied finance (an organised platform or used-car dealer that has lender tie-ups) is often the fastest because the car check and customer check run in parallel.
How to not overpay: the four pillars that actually matter
The total cost of a used car loan depends on more than just the advertised interest rate. Factors such as the loan tenure, down payment, processing fees, and prepayment or foreclosure charges can significantly affect how much you repay over time. Understanding and comparing these four factors before choosing a lender can help you secure a faster loan without paying more than necessary.
1. Effective interest rate
The advertised interest rate is only one part of the borrowing cost. Two loans with similar interest rates can end up costing very different amounts once processing fees, documentation charges, insurance, and other mandatory expenses are included. Whenever possible, compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) or ask the lender for the total cost of borrowing over the entire loan tenure. This provides a more accurate comparison than looking at the interest rate alone.
2. Processing and documentation fees
Many borrowers focus on the EMI but overlook the upfront costs associated with the loan. Most lenders charge processing fees ranging from 1% to 3% of the loan amount, along with documentation, stamp duty, or verification charges where applicable. These costs increase the overall expense of the loan, so request a complete fee breakup before signing the agreement. During festive offers or promotional campaigns, some lenders may also waive or reduce these charges.
3. Tenure
A longer loan tenure reduces your monthly EMI, but it also increases the total interest paid over the life of the loan. For many used cars that are less than six years old, a repayment period of three to four years often strikes a better balance between affordability and overall borrowing cost. While a six-year tenure may appear attractive because of the lower EMI, the additional interest can significantly increase the total amount repaid.
4. Prepayment and foreclosure charges
If you expect your income to increase or plan to repay the loan early, check the lender’s prepayment and foreclosure policy before applying. Floating-rate retail car loans are generally prepayable without penalty under RBI guidelines, whereas fixed-rate loans may attract foreclosure charges, which can increase the overall borrowing cost. Understanding these terms in advance gives you greater flexibility and helps avoid unexpected expenses later in the loan tenure.
Common mistakes that delay used car loan approval
Applying to multiple lenders within a few days: Every hard credit enquiry can affect your credit profile and make lenders view your application as higher risk.
Incorrect income proof: Missing or inconsistent salary slips, bank statements, or ITRs can delay verification.
Mismatch between Aadhaar and PAN: Differences in name, address, or date of birth often require manual verification.
Buying a vehicle with incomplete RC documentation: Missing ownership records or pending transfers can delay the lender’s vehicle verification.
Existing unpaid EMIs: A high debt burden reduces your repayment capacity and may slow approval.
Choosing a loan amount above the vehicle’s valuation: Most lenders finance only a percentage of the car’s assessed value.
Documents you should have ready before you apply
KYC: PAN card, Aadhaar, plus one of voter ID/passport/driving licence for address.
Income (salaried): last 3 months’ salary slips, 6 months’ bank statement, latest Form 16.
Income (self-employed): 2 years’ ITR with computation, audited financials if applicable, 6-12 months’ bank statement.
Car papers: RC, valid insurance certificate, pollution-under-control certificate, inspection report from the seller or platform.
Optional but useful: latest credit report so that you and the lender are looking at the same number.
Headline rate vs total cost: A practical example
Loan A (low EMI, long tenure)
Loan B (slightly higher EMI, shorter tenure)
Loan amount
₹5,00,000
₹5,00,000
Interest Rate (Reducing)
11.5%
11.0%
Tenure
6 years
4 years
EMI (Indicative)
~₹9,500
~₹12,900
Total interest paid
~₹1,86,000
~₹1,20,000
Verdict
Cheaper monthly, costlier overall
Higher EMI, lower total cost
*The table is indicative in nature
The headline interest rate is only one part of the borrowing cost. The effective interest rate reflects what you actually pay after factoring in processing fees, insurance charges, documentation costs, and other mandatory expenses associated with the loan. Before committing to a used car loan, compare the effective borrowing cost, not just the headline rate, to understand the true cost of financing and avoid paying more over the loan tenure. Use any standard used-car EMI calculator such as those offered by organised used car platforms like Cars24 to model your exact tenure and down payment.
How Cars24’s flexible financing changes the game
Many organised used car platforms now offer integrated financing, where vehicle verification and loan approval happen simultaneously. Cars24 follows this approach by combining digital eligibility checks, transparent EMI options, flexible EMI tenures of up to 72 months and end-to-end documentation support, helping eligible buyers complete both the car purchase and financing process with fewer delays.
Depending on their credit profile, eligible buyers can also benefit from up to zero down payment options, reducing the upfront financial burden. Throughout the process, buyers can view their loan eligibility, EMI options, repayment tenure, and applicable charges upfront, making it easier to compare offers and make informed decisions. Combined with end-to-end paperwork support and a seamless digital experience, Cars24’s financing solution helps buyers secure a used car loan faster while keeping the process transparent, convenient, and hassle-free.
FAQs
What CIBIL score do I need for a used-car loan?
Most lenders prefer 700+ for their best rates. Approvals between 650 and 700 happen at higher rates with more documentation. Below 650, expect either rejection or a sharply higher rate from an NBFC.
Can I get 100% finance on a used car?
Sometimes, depending on the car’s valuation and your profile. Lenders may fund up to the car’s assessed value or higher; in practice, putting some down payment lowers the rate and improves approval odds.
Does same-day disbursal mean same-day car delivery?
Not always. Same-day disbursal refers to the loan amount being released; car delivery still depends on the completion of other formalities and paperwork.
What is the safest tenure for a used-car loan?
A tenure that ends before the car turns 10 years old is the practical safe limit, because resale value and insurer comfort both drop sharply after that. For most used cars, 3 to 4 years is the cost sweet spot.
Are processing fees negotiable?
Often, yes, especially in the platform-tied lender channel during festive periods. Ask in writing for the processing fee waiver or a reduced rate; one of the two is usually possible.
Srinagar, Jul 27: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday intensified his attack on PDP president Mehbooba Mufti over her controversial “Kashmir ka toh banta hai” remark at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, saying she should apologise for comments that appeared to justify the alleged misuse of power and arrests in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah said Mufti’s remarks sent a dangerous message by suggesting that extraordinary measures against people in Jammu and Kashmir were acceptable because of militancy.
“What she said there… justifying the misuse of power, arrests and all these things by saying that because there is militancy in Kashmir, ‘it is justified’. On what basis is it justified?” Abdullah asked.
Questioning the logic behind the statement, he said, “Does militancy mean the law should not apply here? Does militancy mean children should not get justice? Does militancy mean people’s passports should be withheld? I don’t understand what is justified about it.”
The Chief Minister said Mufti should have acknowledged her mistake after facing criticism.
“It would not have diminished her stature if she had simply admitted that she had spoken in the heat of the moment and apologised,” he said, accusing the PDP of aggravating the controversy by claiming through one of its legislators that the viral video was AI-generated.
“The entire national media was present there. There is more than one recording. You should at least acknowledge that what you said was wrong,” he said.
Abdullah also linked the remarks to the broader political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that such statements undermine democratic dissent.
“When a former Chief Minister says suppressing protests through force is justified, then who among Kashmiris will come out to demand their rights?” he said. “If tomorrow we protest for statehood, people will hesitate because they will believe there is open permission for repression.”
He further criticised what he described as a dual political approach, saying, “It is an old habit—one thing in Kashmir and another in Delhi.”
Referring to the recent arrests of thousands of protesters, Abdullah reiterated that excessive coercive measures would be counterproductive in tackling militancy.
“We cannot eliminate militancy this way. To truly end militancy, it is essential to keep the people with us. Without public support, we cannot achieve the final success,” he said. Arguing that mass detentions deepen public resentment, Abdullah said that if 3,000 people were arrested, “at least 15,000 people” would feel alienated when their families were taken into account.
“If we continue making arrests, using bulldozers and harassing young people, people will not stand with us. If we alienate so many people, how will we succeed in the fight against militancy?” he asked.
Separately, commenting on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Abdullah said it should have come earlier but added, “Better late than never.” He credited protesting students rather than political parties for forcing the resignation.
“Many people will claim credit for his resignation. But if anyone truly deserves the credit, it is the students who refused to move from the protest site and did not back down from their stand,” he said.
New Delhi, Jul 27: Observing that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed, the Supreme Court agreed to hear on Tuesday a batch of pleas alleging police excesses against students protesting over NEET paper leak across the country and other exam irregularities.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also agreed to take up a separate plea, filed by a few family members of those police personnel who were attacked during the protest, along with other listed petitions.
“The Right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed. That cannot be denied. Merely because there is agitation cannot justify police excesses,” the CJI said.
“Life of every individual irrespective of who they are is important,” the bench asserted when a lawyer said that police personnel were also beaten up.
“There should be a protocol in place. There should be proper space and no restriction. But if there are some anti-social elements etc that can be taken care of. This is not a question of Delhi only. Uniformity of protocol is needed,” the bench said.
The NIT Srinagar Alumni Association (AANITS) successfully organised an awareness and expert interaction session on “Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) & the Obesity–Fitness Connection” on Sunday under its flagship “Stay Fit, Stay Healthy” Campaign.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from alumni, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public, highlighting the growing interest in preventive healthcare and healthy living.
The session focused on creating awareness about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common yet frequently undiagnosed sleep disorder closely associated with obesity, poor sleep quality and several chronic health conditions. Experts emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, weight management, regular physical activity and lifestyle modifications in preventing and managing the condition.
Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, delivered an insightful talk on the health implications of OSA, explaining how poor sleep affects cardiovascular health, metabolism, productivity and overall well-being.
Dr. Jameel Manzoor, Senior Consultant (ENT), BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, shared the ENT perspective on sleep apnea, discussing its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and available treatment options while highlighting the vital role of weight reduction and fitness in improving patient outcomes.
The programme was convened by Dr. Mir Ishfaq Hussain, Musculoskeletal & Sports Functional Medicine/Injury Specialist (BPT, MPT, PhD-ACSM), who stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare.
Aijaz Ahmad Bhat (IPS), SSP Traffic Srinagar, graced the occasion as the Eminent Guest and appreciated the initiative taken by AANITS. He underscored the importance of discipline, healthy living and community awareness in building a healthier society.
The event was coordinated by Aaqib Nisar Khan, Power Engineer and NIT Srinagar Alumnus, who played a key role in organising the programme.
The interactive session covered several important topics, including understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the link between obesity and sleep disorders, the impact of poor sleep on physical and mental health, lifestyle interventions, fitness strategies and practical measures for improving sleep quality.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary of AANITS, Er Farhan Shah and torch bearer of Stay fit stay healthy campaign reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting health awareness beyond academics by bringing together leading experts to educate society on lifestyle diseases and preventive healthcare. They emphasized that the “Stay Fit, Stay Healthy” Campaign aims to inspire people to adopt healthier habits, as even small lifestyle changes can lead to significant long-term health benefits.
The programme concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants interacted with the experts and received practical guidance on improving sleep, managing weight and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Banihal, Jul 27: The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly on Monday as 3,823 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir under tight security arrangements.
According to the Joint Police Control Room, Bhagwati Nagar, the 20th batch departed at 2:47 am in a convoy of 140 vehicles, including 82 buses, 20 medium motor vehicles (MMVs) and 38 light motor vehicles (LMVs).
The batch comprised 2,882 male pilgrims, 838 female pilgrims, two children, 84 sadhus and 17 sadhvis. No pilgrims were scheduled to travel via the Pahalgam axis on Monday.
The convoy travelled along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway under multi-tier security provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies. Traffic officials facilitated the movement of the convoy through vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the safe passage of pilgrims.
Officials said that with the departure of Monday’s batch, the cumulative number of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage from Bagwati Nagar base camp Jammu has reached 1,27,326.
The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in the Himalayas has been progressing under elaborate security and logistical arrangements, with authorities closely monitoring weather conditions and highway status to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, A total of 4,331 pilgrims returned to Jammu from the Baltal base camp on Monday as the 19th down convoy of the Shri Amarnath Yatra left at 6:00 am under tight security. According to officials, the convoy comprised 129 vehicles, including 96 HMVs, eight MMVs, 15 LMVs and 10 motorcycles. The returning pilgrims included 3,440 men, 838 women, four children, 42 sadhus and seven sadhvis.
