Srinagar, Feb 26: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday urged graduates of the University of Kashmir (KU) to view education as a “powerful instrument of change” and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir, the LG congratulated Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofar Khan, faculty members and students, describing the ceremony as a symbol of generational transformation and the people’s enduring faith in modern education. He highlighted women’s achievements and said that out of 249 gold medals, 186 were awarded to female students, while 108 of 164 PhDs also went to women. “When given opportunity, encouragement and freedom, girls don’t just participate — they lead and set new standards of excellence,” he said. The LG urged students to respect and carry forward Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage while remaining adaptable to rapid global change. Referring to Darwin’s principle of adaptability, he stressed the need to evolve with shifts in education, technology and society. Emphasising the growing role of artificial intelligence, LG Sinha said technology should be used as a tool, not as a substitute for human intelligence. “AI can accelerate research, mentoring and problem-solving. Design your own degree — learning is a lifelong process,” he said. He encouraged students to view failure as an essential part of learning, noting that setbacks often open new pathways and opportunities. Stressing the importance of ethics and moral values, the LG called for the responsible use of AI, free from bias and guided by decisions that serve society. LG Sinha also advocated breaking traditional academic silos, encouraging integration of disciplines such as engineering with humanities and biology with economics to develop holistic solutions to modern challenges.  Curiosity, creativity and adaptability, he said, would define the leaders of the future. (KNO)

Waris Fayaz Gulmarg, Feb 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday unveiled its newly formed elite “Snow Leopard” squad, a specialized high-altitude unit created to strengthen security and carryout anti-terror operations in mountainous and snow bound regions across the Union Territory. As per the details, the squad has been deployed for the first time during the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, where it is responsible for securing athletes, officials and visitors at elevations reaching nearly 14,000 feet. A top Police official said that the deployment marks the operational debut of the unit, designed specifically for mountain security operations and extreme terrain challenges. “The Snow Leopard squad has been raised to respond to emerging terror threats in high altitude zones, where terrorists attempt to exploit difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. The unit consists primarily of personnel drawn from the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group and functions as a dedicated wing for snow and mountain warfare,” the official added. “The squad personnel underwent over six months of intensive specialized training, conducted alongside elite formations including the Army’s Para Commandos and the Greyhounds Special Forces to enhance combat readiness and operational coordination. The squad has been trained to operate in sub zero temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, low oxygen environments, dense forests and avalanche prone areas,”  he said. Apart from combat roles, the unit has also received disaster response training to handle avalanches, landslides, and other natural emergencies common in mountainous areas. The unit currently comprises more than 100 trained personnel, the Snow Leopard squad can be deployed anywhere across Jammu and Kashmir where high altitude operations are required, the official said.

Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday evening on his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first official engagement in the Union Territory since assuming office. The officials said the Vice-President was received at Srinagar Airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdulah and other senior officials. “Delighted to welcome Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C P Radhakrishnan Ji at the Srinagar Airport,” LG Sinha wrote on X.      Office of the J&K Chief Minister wrote on X that the CM received Hon’ble Vice-President of India upon his arrival at Srinagar Airport today.  After landing in Srinagar, the Vice-President drove to Lok Bhavan where LG Sinha presented him with a souvenir, said an official.   He said the Vice-President will attend the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir as a chief guest at its Hazratbal campus on Thursday. “The programme is scheduled to begin in the forenoon with the academic procession, followed by the Vice-Chancellor’s annual report highlighting the University’s academic achievements, research output and institutional milestones,” said the official, adding, “Vice-President Radhakrishnan will then deliver the convocation address and formally confer degrees upon graduating students.” He said that Lieutenant Governor and KU Chancellor, Manoj Sinha, will preside over the convocation, while Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Omar Abdullah, will attend the event as a guest of honour. “A total of 59,558 degrees — 44,910 graduates, 13,545 postgraduates, 461 MD/MS, four MCH, 18 MPhil and 620 PhDs — will be conferred at the convocation,” said an official. KU Vice-Chancellor Nilofer Khan said the convocation "celebrates the academic accomplishments of our students and reaffirms our commitment to quality education, research and public engagement." She added that the presence of the Vice-President of India at the event reflects the growing national recognition of the university's academic and research contributions. Elaborate and multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place across Srinagar, particularly in and around the Hazratbal–Nishat–Harwan axis. Senior police and civil administration officers have reviewed the security and logistical preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Meanwhile, authorities have also issued a detailed traffic advisory for parts of Srinagar tomorrow, with restrictions to remain in force from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Srinagar, Feb 25: The minister for education Sakina Itoo Wednesday said the order regarding Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) issued by the School Education Department (SED) will not be implemented as J&K was not in a hurry to hold such an exam for the in-service teachers. The statement comes two days after the Secretary SED issued an order for holding TET for the in-service teaches while designating JK Board of School Education as the nodal agency to conduct TET within two years. Talking to reporters, Minister for education said that a few months ago, an order was issued by the Supreme Court making it mandatory for teachers to qualify TET to continue their services. "But when we received the case file, we said that for now, let's see where the implementation takes place, in which states, in which UTs, and on what pattern they conduct the exam," Sakina Itoo said. She, however, blamed the former education minister Naeem Akhtar saying he advocated for subjecting teachers to such exams. "The teachers have taught children for 30–35 years and the children they taught are now doctors, engineers, IAS, KAS officers, teachers, professors, or holding other big offices," she said. "And today we are saying that they (teachers) will have to give this test." The minister said she had already decided there was no hurry in holding TET for teachers. "Let us see how this test is conducted outside in other states and what the possibilities are. For now, there is no immediate need For it," she said. She said J&K will hold TET once it is conducted in other states. "Let us see how it is being implemented everywhere, and we will also see that kind of direction from the Honorable Supreme Court, if there is any progress in this, then it will be reviewed. For now, there is no need to do it immediately. And this is what I had ordered earlier as well," she said. Notably, a copy of the order issued by Secretary SED on February 23, 2026, has been also sent to the office of education minister. "I saw it on social media that some discussion regarding TET came to know that some order has also come. But that order is not any order, and there will be no implementation of that order," she said. She said that Supreme Court has already given two years in this matter. "When it is applied all over India and people implement it there, then J&K will implement it at the end," she said. As already reported, SED on Monday decided to go ahead with the TET and designated State School Standards Authority (SSSA)/JKBOSE as the nodal agency for holding the exam of the teachers. As per the order issued by Secretary SED, JKBOSE has been asked to take immediate necessary steps for operationalization of the TET examination framework in accordance with the Action Plan formulated in the meeting convened on October 30 of 2025. "Develop and notify a detailed schedule for conduct of TET. Coordinate with NIC, School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Home Department, and other concerned authorities for logistical, technical and security arrangements," the SED order reads. JKBOSE has been asked to ensure alignment of syllabus and examination standards with the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), with suitable contextual modifications. "The Secretary JK BOSE/SSSA shall furnish a comprehensive Action Plan, including timelines and preparatory status, to the School Education Department within shortest possible time," the order reads.