The Kashmir valley, known for its spiritual essence and breathtaking landscapes, is home to the revered Amarnath cave shrine. Located at an altitude of 12,756 ft and about 140 kilometers from Srinagar, the cave is a significant religious site surrounded by glaciers and snowy mountains. The journey to the cave passes through the tourist resort of Pahalgam in South Kashmir.

The Umeed scheme, also known as the State Rural Livelihood Mission, has empowered women in Pulwama, Kashmir, by enabling them to contribute significantly to their families' incomes. Women form self-help groups (SHGs) and receive grants and bank loans to start various businesses. Mir Masarat Qounser, a community mobiliser, has seen her income increase through the scheme. The program has formed 2,848 SHGs since 2019, disbursing over Rs 23 crores in loans. Women have gained confidence and respect in their communities, with many successfully running businesses and becoming financially self-sufficient.

The Umeed scheme, part of the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), has significantly empowered women in Pulwama, Kashmir, by enabling them to contribute to their family's income through self-help groups (SHGs). Women like Mir Masarat Qounser and Bilqees Binti Arshad have become community mobilizers and business owners, benefiting from grants and loans facilitated by the scheme. The initiative has fostered financial independence and confidence among rural women, allowing them to engage in diverse economic activities and interact with banking systems more effectively. The scheme has also changed societal perspectives, with women gaining respect and recognition in their communities.

The Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Jammu & Kashmir, is set to resume after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Yatra, which involves a trek to the Amarnath cave, is expected to see a record number of pilgrims this year. Extensive preparations, including security measures by the Jammu & Kashmir Police and other agencies, are in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. The administration has made arrangements for food, healthcare, and transportation, and helicopter services are available for those who prefer a quicker journey. The Yatra is also expected to boost the local economy, benefiting various service providers. The event will run from June 30 to August 11, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

The Amarnath Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage in the Kashmir valley, is set to resume after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Jammu & Kashmir administration, along with security agencies, is making extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and secure experience for pilgrims. Registration for the Yatra has begun, with several banks facilitating the process. The Yatra, which boosts the local economy by involving various stakeholders, is expected to see record attendance. It will start on June 30 and conclude on August 11, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Baroness Campbell reflects on the barriers to participation in the House of Lords, particularly for disabled members, and advocates for a more inclusive and modern Parliament. The swift transition to virtual working during the lockdown has demonstrated the potential for greater inclusivity and effectiveness. However, she emphasizes the need for a hybrid model that accommodates both virtual and in-person participation to ensure no one is excluded. The article calls for a review of traditional parliamentary conventions to better support disabled members, parents, and those with other responsibilities.

India's severe second wave of COVID-19 has global implications, disrupting vaccine supplies and highlighting the interconnectedness of the pandemic. The UK has responded by sending medical equipment to India, reinforcing the strong partnership between the two nations. The crisis underscores the importance of global cooperation in combating the virus, as new variants emerge and spread internationally.

The latest Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report forecasts a 15.2% growth in UK adspend for 2021, recovering the losses from 2020 and predicting a further 7.2% rise in 2022. The UK is expected to achieve the strongest ad trade recovery among major global markets, with significant growth in cinema, digital out of home, and online classified investments. The report highlights a shift towards online video, social media, and search markets, driven by the acceleration of e-commerce during the pandemic. The UK's developed digital ad market and increased e-commerce spending have positioned it well for recovery. Key figures in the industry, including Stephen Woodford and James McDonald, emphasize the role of advertising in supporting the economy and adapting to rapid changes.

The head of the civil service union, Dave Penman, criticizes Prime Minister Boris Johnson for involving senior civil servants in investigating the funding of his Downing Street flat refurbishment during the pandemic. The investigation, led by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, looks into whether the refurbishment, rumored to cost up to £200,000, was initially funded by a party donor or the Conservative Party. The Electoral Commission is also examining if the funding needs to be reported. The controversy has drawn criticism for diverting resources during a national crisis, with ongoing scrutiny over the establishment of a trust to finance the refurbishment.

Opposition parties have raised serious questions about the Prime Minister's priorities after it was revealed that civil servants were working on a trust to fund the redecoration of the No.11 flat during the Covid-19 pandemic. Labour and the Liberal Democrats criticized the use of civil service resources for this project during a national crisis. The refurbishment, reportedly costing up to £200,000, has come under scrutiny, with concerns about potential party donor involvement. The Electoral Commission is investigating whether any donations towards the flat should be declared as political donations. Cabinet Secretary Simon Case provided evidence on the matter, highlighting the involvement of various officials and the establishment of a trust similar to those supporting other official residences.