On this day last year, much against the run of events in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the Centre took some major decisions to give a new course to the proxy hybrid war troubled state. It involved two basic changes: abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution which gave J&K a special constitutional status, and its administrative downgrade from a single state to two separate Union Territories of Ladakh and J&K.

For almost eight months Kashmir has been quiet, both in the streets, the jungles and the mountain tops. However, with effect, early April this year terrorist-related incidents have been on the rise, at the Line of Control (LoC) and the hinterland. South Kashmir is active but there also appears an intent to activate North Kashmir. The streets so far are quiet and devoid of the activities of rabble-rousers and stone-throwers.

The armed forces are now close to finalising the long-pending package to make short-service commission (SSC) more attractive for bright youngsters, with measures ranging from grant of paid study leave to a golden handshake at the end of their tenures of 10 to 14 years, in the backdrop of the continuing shortage of officers and the urgent need for cadre restructuring.

Hima das - The Golden Girl of Indian Dreams | The Feat and the History :: It’s a matter of great pride and happiness for Indians as one of our daughters has created history by giving India its first gold in individual track events. Even greats of PT Usha and Milkha Singh who are glorified in the country could not get a gold in their athletic careers. “While you all were sleeping, I rocked the world,” said sensational 18-year-old athlete Hima Das.