In a historic and momentous development in Indian Classical Music, the young music legend of India, Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori, presented a newly composed raga dedicated to the nation and Motherland India, titled Raga Bharati. Pt. Sopori described the raga as an ode to the great country of India, stating that the Bharatiya tradition spans thousands of years, and Raga Bharati embodies the ethos of time, tradition, values, and culture that define India’s civilizational continuity.

The announcement and presentation of Raga Bharati took place at Ravindra Bhawan, New Delhi during the 3rd edition of the prestigious Delhi Kala Utsav, organized by Sanskar Bharati in New Delhi. The festival was presented in collaboration with the Art, Culture and Language Department and the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi), along with India’s National Academies, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi (Ministry of Culture, Government of India).

Pt. Abhay Sopori commenced his recital of Raga Bharati with a brief Aalap and Jod, followed by two compositions set in Ektaal and Teentaal. The presentation highlighted the distinctive Sopori Baaj, the unique style created by his illustrious father Pandit Bhajan Sopori. The performance showcased his immense depth of Raagdari, Chhandkari, Layakari, Gayaki, and Tantrakari Ang enriched with his Meend, Gamak, Glides, Taans, along with intricate Bol, Chhand, and Laya patterns. He was ably accompanied by Pradip Sarkar on Tabla, Rishi Shankar Upadhyay on Pakhawaj, and his disciples Anoushka Majumdar and Poushali Dutta on Tanpura. The raga was received with great enthusiasm by the large gathering at the Utsav, who hailed Pt. Sopori’s significant contribution to Indian music.

Pt. Abhay Sopori is the present Uttaradhikari and Khalifa of the ancient Santoor tradition of India and the age-old Sopori – Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir, a 300-year-old traditional Santoor family that carries forward a legacy rooted in the spiritual Shaivite – Sufi musical tradition. He is the son of the great saintly music legend, the ‘Saint of Santoor’ and the ‘King of Strings’, late Pandit Bhajan Sopori ji.

Previously, Pt. Abhay Sopori has composed several acclaimed ragas, including Raga Nirmalkauns, Raga Mahakali, Raga Sharda, Raga Bhagwati, and Raga Bhajaneshwari. A double Top Grade awardee, both as a Santoor player and as a composer, he is also a recipient of the Sangeet Chudamani, the Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music by Pracheen Kala Kendra. His numerous prestigious honours include the United Nations accredited Gandhi Global Family’s Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal, Gandhi Global Peace Award, Maharaja Swati Tirunal Travancore Award, National Atal Shikhar Samman, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan National Award, Jammu & Kashmir Government Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi’s First Ustad Bismillah Khan Award, among many others.

Gulmarg  March 1: The High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg has emerged as a key force behind India’s growing success in winter sports, with athletes at the 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 crediting the elite military institution for their podium finishes.

Held from February 23 to 26, the Games saw dominant performances by athletes from the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), many of whom trained at HAWS. The school also drew national attention after Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya visited the facility on February 26.

Located at nearly 9,000 feet, HAWS was founded in December 1948 by General K S Thimayya as the 19 Infantry Division Ski School. Over decades, it evolved into India’s premier centre for snowcraft and winter warfare. Alongside its military mandate, the institution has quietly built a structured system for grooming competitive winter athletes.

At KIWG 2026, Army athletes swept multiple Nordic skiing events, while CRPF and ITBP competitors also secured medals. Several athletes said short- and long-term training stints at HAWS transformed them from first-time skiers into national-level competitors within months.

According to Indian Army officials, HAWS annually trains around 250–300 Army athletes across Alpine, Nordic, snowboarding and mountain skiing disciplines, while also supporting select civilian and other force personnel. The programme includes high-altitude conditioning, international-standard coaching, ski simulators, summer roller-ski training, sports science support and structured nutrition plans.

Coaches said expert trainers from Europe and Central Asia help align techniques with global standards, while Gulmarg’s altitude provides a natural endurance advantage. Officials from the CRPF confirmed that sustained access to HAWS infrastructure and Army coaches has significantly improved their athletes’ performances.

Srinagar, Mar 1: All schools and colleges across Kashmir will remain closed for next two days as a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing situation, officials said.

Speaking to tge media Education minister Sakina Itoo said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid ongoing protests in parts of the Valley.

“Classes in all government and private schools as well as colleges in Kashmir division shall remain suspended for two days,” the she said.

The move comes amid demonstrations reported from several areas following recent developments in West Asia, which affected normal life in parts of the Valley.

Authorities said the situation was being closely monitored and further decisions would be taken based on the ground assessment.

Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order, while senior police and civil administration officials are reviewing the situation.(KNS).

Baramulla,February 28:-The Director General of Police, J&K, Sh Nalin Prabhat (IPS), chaired a Security Review Conference of District Baramulla at Town Hall Tangmarg.

The meeting was attended by Spl DGP Coordination J&K Sh S.J.M. Gillani (IPS), IGP Kashmir Sh Vidhi Kumar Birdi (IPS), DIG Central Kashmir Range Srinagar, DIG North Kashmir Range Baramulla, SSP Baramulla, AdSP Baramula, SP Ops Baramulla, all DySP Ops, and SDPOs, SHOs and IC PPs of district police.

During the conference, the DGP reviewed the overall security situation and operational readiness of district Baramulla. He directed all officers to adopt a strict and uncompromising approach against terrorists and their support networks, reiterating zero tolerance towards terrorism. Security of tourists was specially emphasised upon. He directed for enhanced role of police stations and police posts in counter terror operations.

He stressed strong coordination, intelligence-based operations, and proactive policing to maintain peace and stability. The DGP appreciated the efforts of officers and jawans and urged all ranks to remain alert, disciplined, and mission-oriented.