Government Action on rising Sugar Prices, Editorial 24 August 2026

Posted on by Editor
Government Action on Rising Sugar Prices
Sugar is still a highly important part of the diet, especially for those doing very hard physical work. In India, sugar has high importance.
According to a PIB report, sugar prices have increased in recent weeks, from ₹48.18 per kg on 20 July 2026 to ₹55.70 per kg on 20 August 2026. The Government is closely monitoring the situation and has taken a series of measures to ensure adequate availability of sugar and stable prices for consumers.
Rise in Sugar Prices Cannot Be Attributed to Ethanol.
It is incorrect to attribute the recent increase in sugar prices to the diversion of sugar for ethanol production.
In fact, the share of sugar diverted for ethanol has declined from around 12% in 2022-23 to around 9% in 2025-26. Moreover, nearly three-fourths of the ethanol produced in the country now comes from grains, particularly maize.
The present increase in sugar prices is due to a combination of factors, including lower-than-expected domestic production, increased demand ahead of the festive season, weather-related damage to the sugarcane crop, tightening global sugar supplies, and speculation and hoarding by some sections of the industry.
Sugar Production Lower Than Initial Estimates.
Sugar production during the current season is expected to be around 306 LMT, compared to the initial estimate of around 343 LMT by sugarcane-growing States.
Despite the lower-than-estimated production, adequate sugar stocks are available in the country to meet domestic demand until the new crushing season begins in October.
Sugar Prices Are Rising Globally Too.
The tightening of sugar supplies is a global phenomenon and is not limited to India.
The global sugar deficit for 2026-27 is estimated at around 33 LMT. Concerns over weather conditions have further affected the global outlook.

India’s Great resolve on World Elephant Day

Posted on by Editor
India’s great resolve on World Elephant Day
Elephant is prominent animal of our planet. It is much cherished since ages and holds important position in our ecosystem.
World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12, honors the largest land mammals and raises awareness about their protection. Elephants face threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict. This day reminds us to conserve forests, stop ivory trade, and support sanctuaries. Sane humans make pledge to protect these gentle giants so future generations can admire their wisdom, strength, and vital role in nature.
Recently on this eve, esteemed
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi  stated that on World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant, which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage. He expressed gladness that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants.
The Prime Minister noted that our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. Shri Modi also expressed pride in all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared:
“On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage. It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants. Our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. We are also proud of all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts.”
We Indians and humans world over need to take steps to make world a better place for marvellous and beautiful creatures like Elephants.

India’s Stride Towards Clean Energy — 10 August 2026 Editorial

Posted on by Editor
India’s Stride Towards Clean Energy
Clean energy is a must for the sustainable development of the country. The importance of clean energy cannot be underestimated.
Clean energy reduces air pollution and protects public health. It cuts carbon emissions that drive climate change. Renewable sources like solar and wind are sustainable, lowering dependence on fossil fuels. Clean energy creates jobs, saves money in the long term, and ensures a healthier planet for future generations.
In a significant development related to this, recently, as per PIB, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved GOBARdhan, the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, with a total outlay of Rs. 23,731 crore.
GOBARdhan marks a defining moment in India’s clean energy journey. It will transform the country’s abundant agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste, and other biomass resources into clean fuel, organic manure, rural income, and national economic value.
The Scheme will be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 and will establish Compressed Biogas as a major pillar of India’s future energy mix.
Through assured demand, remunerative and stable pricing, capital assistance, pipeline infrastructure, credit support, and technology development, GOBARdhan will provide the strong and predictable framework required to take India’s CBG sector to national scale.
The Scheme aims to increase domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold, mobilize large-scale private investment, and create a vibrant circular bioeconomy across the country.
It reflects the Government’s clear vision:
India’s waste will fuel India’s growth.
India’s villages will become centres of clean energy production.
India’s farmers will become partners in the nation’s energy security.
It is indeed a great step by the esteemed Government.

Chemical Parks Boost in India, Editorial 27 July

Posted on by Editor
Chemical parks boost in India
We know that in present era of progress and development the
Chemical parks boost competitiveness by offering shared infrastructure, cutting costs and logistics. They cluster upstream and downstream units, drive exports and import substitution, create jobs, ensure better environmental compliance through centralized waste treatment, and promote sustainable, efficient growth of the chemical industry.
In a significant development,
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan or BHAVYA – Rasayan Scheme to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks in India, announced in the Union Budget of FY 2026–27. The scheme carries a total outlay of Rs. 3,030 crore for five years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with Rs. 3,000 crore for Common Infrastructure Facilities and Basic Utilities inside the parks and Rs. 30 crore for administrative expenditure. Under this, the Centre will provide a grant of up to Rs. 1,000 crore per park, subject to a minimum Rs. 500 crore contribution from the concerned State Government. BHAVYA aims to strengthen the entire chemical value chain, cut logistics costs, and boost global competitiveness through shared facilities. It will also create eco-friendly ecosystems with centralized CETPs, waste management and TSDF units to ensure better environmental compliance. By integrating Indian chemical firms into Global Value Chains, the scheme targets higher exports, import substitution, downstream sector growth, more jobs, and progress toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Without doubt , BHAVYA is a timely push. With shared infra and green focus, it can make Indian chemicals competitive, create jobs, and drive sustainable industrial growth for Viksit Bharat.

Strengthening Defense of India, editorial 6 July

Posted on by Editor
Strengthening Defense of India
Defense is highly important sector of any country. In a great development for defence of India,  according to PIB report —
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on July 03, 2026, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) i.e., in-principle administrative approval to various acquisition proposals for the Defence Forces at an estimated cost of about Rs 52,000 crore. For the Indian Army, approval of granted for the procurement of Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Electronic Warfare System ‘AKASH TARANG’, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for Tanks and Jet Based Kamikaze Drone System.
In this regard,  PIB report mentioned
AKASH TARANG will provide effective anti-UAV protection to the Army Formations. The MPATGM will enhance the potential of the Infantry to counter mechanised threats of the adversary. The MRSAM system provides medium range air defence against a variety of stand-off aerial threats.
The V-SHORADS with multi-spectral sensing will enhance counter-measure resilience and effectiveness of the Indian Army. The Active Protection System will be capable of improving the defence mechanism of tanks and enhance their survivability. The Jet-Based Kamikaze Drones provide better Electronic Warfare capability with greater lethality and survivability while also being cost effective.
 For the Indian Navy, approval was given for the procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS) and the setting-up of Land Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for Electric Propulsion System. The MIGM will deny freedom of manoeuvre to the adversary. The NSUAS, equipped with advanced sensors, will enhance situational awareness of the Indian Navy. The LBTF will meet the testing requirements for Motors and associated Propulsion Systems of the Indian Naval assets.
For the Indian Air Force, the approval was accorded for the procurement of Fixed-Wing Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS) and other proposals. The FW-HAPS will carry out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, telecommunication and remote sensing for the Indian Air Force.

India Australia Sports cooperation,Editorial 13 July

Posted on by Editor
India Australia Sports cooperation
India and Australia are highly important countries of this world. India is moving very close to Australia in every field. A PIB report has outlined the detailed outlook on same.
Sports is a powerful bridge between India and Australia, bringing communities together and opening new pathways for collaboration.
Building on the 2023 MoU on Cooperation in Sports, the India-Australia Roadmap for Sports Collaboration sets out practical, future-focused priorities and opportunities to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship.
Recognising the decade of opportunity ahead — including the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and India’s ambition to host a future Olympic and Paralympic Games — this Roadmap identifies targeted areas of cooperation aligned to shared priorities, capabilities and resources.
Respecting differences in the governance of sport and the development of sport ecosystems in Australia and India, and recognising the leadership role of sporting bodies, businesses, state–level governments, universities and community groups in promoting elite and community sports, we are committed to facilitating engagement and supporting collaborative ways of working between relevant institutions, to encourage stronger sports partnerships at all levels that benefits both countries.
Implementation will be pragmatic and outcomes-focused, with activities prioritised in line with available resources and major event timelines.
Cooperation will be delivered through established partnerships, supported by flexible, demand-led arrangements, whereby responsibility for resourcing activities will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. This approach ensures practical, sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes.
The thrust is also on joint capacity building and research .
India Australia Sports cooperation is a great development. Together, India and Australia can leverage sport to promote health, youth engagement, cultural exchange, and innovation, creating lasting friendships and shared prosperity for future generations across both nations.

International Chess Day, Editorial 20 july 2026

Posted on by Editor
International Chess Day
Games have always been an essential part of human life. They do not only build us physically, but also mentally.
Chess is far more than a board game; it is a vital mental workout that builds critical cognitive skills. Here in Kashmir, we also need to make our children strong in the game of chess, as it is an extremely useful game. Chess will give our children not just meaningful development, but also a quality source of entertainment.
Key benefits include improved problem-solving, enhanced memory, and deeper focus. It also teaches emotional resilience and strategic thinking, which are highly beneficial in academic and professional life.
International Chess Day is annually celebrated on 20 July, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in 1924.
International Chess Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the formation of FIDE, the globally recognized governing body of chess. The idea to celebrate International Chess Day was first proposed by UNESCO, and it has been observed since 1966 after it was established by FIDE. In 2013, International Chess Day was celebrated in 178 countries, according to Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the then President of FIDE.
On 12 December 2019, the UN General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the day.
We need to promote chess-playing habits among our youngsters.
We need to remember that
In schools across Kashmir, chess can become a daily tool for discipline and creativity. Even 20 minutes of play can sharpen a child’s ability to plan, stay patient, and handle pressure. Community clubs, online tournaments, and coaching camps can make the game accessible to every child, regardless of background. Parents and teachers should encourage it as both study and sport. By embracing chess, we invest in minds that think ahead, solve problems calmly, and lead with confidence. We should love chess. Let this International Chess Day be the start of a new chess culture in our valley.

World Wind Day , Editorial 15 June 2026

Posted on by Editor
World Wind Day
Wind is an important source of energy. It’s not just a natural phenomenon but a driver of humanity’s ambition to grow.
Global Wind Day, or World Wind Day, is a worldwide event held on June 15. It is organised by WindEurope and GWEC (Global Wind Energy Council). It is a day when wind energy is celebrated, information is exchanged, and adults and children learn about wind energy, its power, and the possibilities it holds to change the world.
Many countries are embracing wind as an affordable energy source, using wind turbines to generate electricity. Wind energy creates jobs. For example, wind turbine service technicians are the second fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. In fact, many other countries are taking advantage of these benefits, too. Some of the top producers of wind energy worldwide include China, Germany, India, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
As a matter of fact, wind energy is essential to the global transition toward a clean, sustainable future. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and provides highly cost-effective electricity. By utilizing a limitless, renewable resource, wind power enhances energy security and drives economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.
Wind energy has important advantages. Wind turbines generate electricity without burning fuel, producing zero greenhouse gas emissions or toxic air pollutants during operation. Water conservation: Unlike traditional coal, gas, or nuclear power plants, wind energy requires virtually no water for cooling.
On this World Wind Day, humanity should pledge to use wind energy to its fullest potential.
Let’s harness every gust to power homes, industries, and dreams. Through innovation and collective action, wind can lead us toward a greener planet, ensuring cleaner air, stronger economies, and hope for future generations.

Opening of Strait of Hormuz, editorial 20 April 2026

Posted on by Editor
Opening of Strait of Hormuz
The USA-Iran war has shown signs of ending with a 15-day ceasefire, and the world is heaving a sigh of relief.
In a significant development, the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial vessels and will remain so during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Iran’s Foreign Minister has said.
“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on Friday.
As a matter of fact, US President Donald Trump confirmed in a social media post that the strait was “completely open and ready for business and full passage.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Even temporary changes in access or restrictions in the waterway can have major implications for global energy markets and shipping security.
We have seen in the recent deadly war how its blockage led to a global energy and gas crisis.
This reopening underscores the Strait’s strategic leverage in geopolitics, where diplomacy directly impacts oil prices, supply chains, and economic stability worldwide. Sustained access will reassure markets, ease inflationary pressures, and reinforce the need for multilateral safeguards to protect vital trade routes from future conflicts.
This is great news for the world that Strait of Hormuz has opened and it will take global peace to new heights .

Effective parenting needed, 30 March 2026 edit

Posted on by Editor

Effective parenting needed

In a world marked by war and chaos, the need for effective parenting has never been greater. It stands at the heart of every functional society. No nation can truly progress without it; in many ways, it is the very oxygen that sustains the growth of societies in India and across the world. Experts often describe effective parenting as the foundation upon which strong and responsible individuals are built.

Over the past few decades, regions like Kashmir have witnessed moral challenges that call for reflection. It becomes essential to understand and strengthen the role of parenting in shaping values and character.

Effective parenting deeply influences a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. When parents create a nurturing and supportive environment, children grow with confidence, resilience, and a healthy sense of self-worth. Setting clear boundaries, maintaining realistic expectations, and encouraging positive behavior help children learn discipline, responsibility, and independence.

Equally important is open communication. When parents listen with patience, acknowledge emotions, and guide with care, children develop vital life skills—problem-solving, emotional balance, and the ability to handle conflicts with maturity.

Parents across the world must serve as positive role models. Values like empathy, kindness, and integrity are not taught through words alone but through everyday actions that children quietly observe and adopt.

A stable, loving, and supportive home empowers children to discover their strengths and reach their full potential. It shapes them into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society.

As children grow and begin to face life’s complexities on their own, the grounding they receive from effective parenting becomes their strongest support. It equips them with the character and understanding needed to navigate challenges and make a positive impact.

The need of the hour is clear: parenting must be nurtured with time, effort, and genuine care. When done right, it creates a lasting difference—not just in individual lives, but in the future of the world itself.