Seek maximum coverage of target groups for inclusive growth Udhampur, March 10: The Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur and Samba districts on Tuesday chaired two separate meetings of District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) attended by bankers and departmental heads. In Udhampur, the Lead District Manager briefed the DC Udhampur Minga Sherpa about the overall performance and achievements of the banks across different sectors. Detailed discussions were held on several important issues, including sector-wise achievements in lending to priority and non-priority sectors, credit disbursement under government-sponsored schemes, position of Kisan Credit Cards, extension of KCC, status of PM Mudra loan, financial literacy programme, functioning of financial literacy counseling centre, Prime Ministers Fasal Bima Yojana, setting up of new campus of RSETI, implementation of the Financial Inclusion Plan, Stand-Up India Programme and the number of financial literacy programmes conducted by rural bank branches during the quarter. The submission of data by banks and other related matters were also reviewed in detail. The DC directed the bankers to enhance outreach activities and ensure that target groups are effectively covered under all financial schemes. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and mission-oriented efforts to accelerate progress and achieve tangible results on the ground. Emphasizing the need for better coordination between banks and government departments, the DC called for a joint approach to achieve the fixed targets for the welfare of the rural population. He exhorted the bank officers and line departments to set realistic targets based on the needs and potential of their respective areas to ensure optimum results within the stipulated time-frame. Meanwhile, a meeting of the DLRC/DCC for the quarter ended December 2025 was held at DC Office Samba to review the performance of banks in deposits, advances, CD ratio and achievement under the Annual Credit Plan for FY 2025â26. The meeting also reviewed the progress under the Government-sponsored and social security schemes and was chaired by District Development Commissioner Ayushi Sudan and convened by Lead District Manager (LDM) Samba Subash Chander. The DDC took an extensive review of Government-sponsored schemes with special focus on PMEGP, JKREGP, KCC, HADP, PMAY, NRLM and NULM. She impressed upon the banks to achieve 100% digitization of bank accounts. She advised all sponsoring agencies and banks to spread awareness among the people about various self-employment schemes launched by the Government and motivate them to avail the benefits of these schemes for generating self-employment opportunities in the district. She also directed the banks to clear the pending cases sponsored by different Government departments/agencies at the earliest and to give a boost to lending, particularly under Agriculture and Allied Activities, MSME, Housing and Education sectors, to achieve a healthy CD ratio. She further directed the banks to cover all eligible persons under social security schemes viz. PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY. The meeting was also attended by LDO RBI, DDM NABARD, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, AD Fisheries, District Coordinators of J&K Bank, SBI, PNB, JKGB, representatives from other banks and officials of sponsoring Government departments/agencies. Earlier, the LDM informed the house that banks operating in Samba district have recorded deposits of Rs 9058.05 crore and advances of Rs 5171.25 crore as on Dec 31, 2025. The CD Ratio of the District was 57.09%. The achievement of banks in the District under the Annual Credit Plan 2025â26 stood at Rs 2698.13 crore against the annual target of Rs 2580.44 crore as on Dec 31, 2025. Under the Priority Sector, the achievement by banks stood at Rs 1490.00 crore against the annual target of Rs 2032.41 crore, , while under the Non-Priority Sector the achievement was Rs 1208.13 crore against the annual target of Rs 548.03 crore.
Jammu, March 10: J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the status of vacancies and the progress of recruitments being undertaken through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) across various departments of the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries, Chairperson JKSSB, Secretary JKPSC and other concerned representatives from different departments. While reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for expeditious filling of all critical vacancies to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery. He called upon all Administrative Secretaries to hold regular follow-up meetings with their departments and recruitment agencies to ensure that pending issues are resolved and vacancies are filled at the earliest. He emphasized that timelines fixed for ongoing recruitment drives must be strictly adhered to, and directed that all posts received by the recruiting agencies should be advertised without delay. The Chief Secretary further advised the recruiting agencies to prepare and publish examination calendars simultaneously, enabling aspirants to have clarity regarding the schedule of examinations and adequate time to prepare. During the review, the Chief Secretary also took note of several bottlenecks affecting certain recruitments in JKPSC and JKSSB. He examined each issue in detail and directed the concerned departments to issue necessary clarifications and resolve procedural hurdles immediately so that the recruitment process is not delayed. Observing that prolonged recruitment cycles often create uncertainty for job aspirants, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of conducting recruitment within a defined timeframe. He noted that a predictable recruitment cycle would allow applicants to plan their careers better and reduce anxiety among candidates. During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M.Raju presented a comprehensive overview of vacant posts across government departments. The data revealed that a total of 40,661 posts are currently vacant in different departments, including 3,808 Gazetted, 24,507 Non-Gazetted, and 12,351 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts. Among major departments, Health & Medical Education accounts for a significant share of vacancies with 2,497 Gazetted, 8,088 Non-Gazetted and 2,712 MTS posts, while other departments with substantial vacancies include Agriculture Production, Power Development, Finance, Revenue, Forest, Public Works (R&B) and Youth Services & Sports. While reviewing the recruitment being undertaken by the JKSSB for Non-Gazetted and MTS posts the Chairperson SSB, Vikas Kundal revealed that since 2019 the Board has received 46,744 posts, out of which 9,260 were withdrawn, leaving 37,484 posts for recruitment. The Board has already completed selections for 32,956 posts, including 27,449 selections pertaining to this period. He further added that at present, 10,035 posts remain under different stages of recruitment with JKSSB. These include 2,532 posts yet to be advertised, 4,768 posts at the examination stage, 1,258 at the selection stage, and 1,477 posts under live advertisements awaiting completion of the recruitment process. Meanwhile the Secretary, JKPSC, Bashir Ahmad Dar apprised the meeting about the status of posts referred to the JKPSC for recruitment. He divulged that at present, 1,745 Gazetted posts are under process with the Commission out of these, against 1,573 posts selection schedule has already been drawn, while 172 posts are yet to be scheduled due to certain procedural issues. He also gave out that a recruitment timeline has been worked out by the Commission for filling these posts. As per the schedule, 630 selections are targeted for completion by March 2026, 476 during AprilâMay 2026, 158 during JuneâJuly 2026, and 309 during AugustâSeptember 2026. Additionally department-wise analysis shows that the highest number of posts with JKPSC pertains to Health & Medical Education (872 posts) followed by School Education (470 posts), General Administration (170 posts) and Higher Education (129 posts), among others. The meeting was informed that all departments have shared the latest status of advertised posts, vacant positions and posts proposed to be referred to recruiting agencies. It was resolved that all clear vacancies without legal or procedural issues will be referred to the respective recruiting agencies at the earliest for timely recruitment.
Experts stress indigenous UAV development, AI-driven drone systems Srinagar, March 10: A five-day Bootcamp on Intelligent and Secure Drone Technology (ISDT) was inaugurated at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Jammu & Kashmir. The bootcamp is being supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the SwaYaan initiative. It has brought together students, engineers, researchers, and professionals for hands-on training in drone technologies. In his welcome address, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran highlighted the growing importance of drones in security, disaster management, surveillance, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring. He emphasized the need to build indigenous expertise in UAV design and operation. He shared insights from his work on drone systems, emphasizing the integration of engineering, electronics, and artificial intelligence to develop intelligent, secure drone platforms. Prof. Sheikh Nazir Ahmed presented an overview of the collaborative NITâNIELIT Drone Program and discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening research and training in unmanned aerial systems. The five-day bootcamp features sessions on drone components, DGCA regulations, flight simulation, FPV drone assembly, logistics drones, communication systems, UAV structural analysis, and AI applications in drones, along with hands-on demonstrations and flight testing. Participants in the program include representatives from security and disaster response agencies such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with professionals from drone technology companies and faculty and students from various engineering and educational institutions, reflecting strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government organizations. During the event, organizers also announced an upcoming six-month advanced drone training program to be jointly conducted by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology and National Institute of Technology Srinagar. The program will focus on drone design, UAV electronics, autonomous navigation, AI integration, drone communication systems, and real-world applications, aiming to develop skilled professionals to support Indiaâs rapidly expanding drone ecosystem. Several dignitaries addressed the gathering during the inaugural ceremony. Dr. M. Hanief, HoD Mechanical Engineering, NIT Srinagar, highlighted the departmentâs commitment to emerging technologies such as UAVs. Dr. Fayaz Ahmed, Joint Director, NIELIT, spoke about national initiatives to promote drone innovation and skill development. While as Dr. Ummer Iqbal Khan, Joint Director, NIELIT, emphasized capacity building in advanced technology domains. In his message, Director, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binodh Kanaujia, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in advancing technological innovation, research, and knowledge creation. âThere is a need for strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government to foster innovation and drive sustainable development,â he said. Instituteâs Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, appreciated the collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies. He said today, drone technology is no longer limited to research laboratories or defense applications. It has rapidly evolved into a powerful tool with wide-ranging applications across sectors. âIn a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where geography often presents unique challenges, drone technology can play a transformative role in improving accessibility, monitoring natural resources, and enhancing public services,â Prof. Rehman said. In-Charge Director, NIELIT J&K, Mr. Ashaq Hussain Dar, stressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce in drone technology. âPrograms like this bootcamp are therefore extremely valuable as they equip participants not only with technical knowledge but also with an understanding of ethical, regulatory, and security aspects,â he added. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Sumaya Akhtar, acknowledging the contributions of organizers, speakers, and participants. The five-day bootcamp is aimed to provide participants with comprehensive exposure to emerging drone technologies, their practical applications, and the importance of security in unmanned aerial systems. It focuses on enhancing technical knowledge in areas such as drone design, navigation systems, data collection, surveillance applications, and safe operational practices.
Srinagar Mar 10: The Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU) Prof. Nilofer Khan Tuesday said that the fisheries and aquaculture sector holds significant potential for generating sustainable livelihood opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. She was speaking at the inaugural session of a week-long Start-up/Entrepreneurship Training-cum-Demonstration Programme on âFish Breeding and Rearingâ at the Main Campus. The VC urged the participants to utilise the programme as a platform for developing viable start-ups. âFocused hands-on training in areas such as fish breeding, seed production and scientific rearing can help young people establish micro-enterprises and strengthen local supply chains,â she said. The programme is being organised by the Department of Zoology under the Universityâs Skill Development and Entrepreneurship initiative. Hosted by the Fish Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, the training programme will run from March 10 to March 16, 2026, and is aimed at unemployed youth, farmers, traders, emerging entrepreneurs and other stakeholders associated with the aquaculture sector. Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal in his address said that such initiatives help bridge the gap between university laboratories and real-world enterprises and encourage participants to explore government support mechanisms to scale promising ideas into sustainable businesses. Earlier, Head, Department of Zoology KU and Convenor of the programme Prof. Tariq Ahmad, highlighted the departmentâs vision, academic achievements and its ongoing efforts in promoting research and training in fisheries and aquaculture. In his welcome address, Prof. Imtiaz Ahmad, faculty at the department and organiser of the programme, outlined the objectives of the training, which include imparting practical skills in broodstock management, hatchery operations, fry and fingerling rearing, and the use of economical feed ingredients for cost-effective fish production. Co-organiser of the event, Dr. Yahya Bakhtiyar briefed the participants about the technical sessions, field demonstrations and interactive modules planned during the week-long programme. Around 35â40 participants are attending the training, which will provide exposure to laboratory and field facilities as well as guidance on start-up planning in the fisheries sector. On the occasion, a book titled âAquaculture: Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition,â edited by Prof. Imtiaz Ahmad and Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad and published by Springer, Switzerland, was also released. The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad, while Dr. Yahya Bakhtiyar presented the vote of thanks.
Seek maximum coverage of target groups for inclusive growth Udhampur, March 10: The Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur and Samba districts on Tuesday chaired two separate meetings of District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) attended by bankers and departmental heads. In Udhampur, the Lead District Manager briefed the DC Udhampur Minga Sherpa about the overall performance and achievements of the banks across different sectors. Detailed discussions were held on several important issues, including sector-wise achievements in lending to priority and non-priority sectors, credit disbursement under government-sponsored schemes, position of Kisan Credit Cards, extension of KCC, status of PM Mudra loan, financial literacy programme, functioning of financial literacy counseling centre, Prime Ministers Fasal Bima Yojana, setting up of new campus of RSETI, implementation of the Financial Inclusion Plan, Stand-Up India Programme and the number of financial literacy programmes conducted by rural bank branches during the quarter. The submission of data by banks and other related matters were also reviewed in detail. The DC directed the bankers to enhance outreach activities and ensure that target groups are effectively covered under all financial schemes. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and mission-oriented efforts to accelerate progress and achieve tangible results on the ground. Emphasizing the need for better coordination between banks and government departments, the DC called for a joint approach to achieve the fixed targets for the welfare of the rural population. He exhorted the bank officers and line departments to set realistic targets based on the needs and potential of their respective areas to ensure optimum results within the stipulated time-frame. Meanwhile, a meeting of the DLRC/DCC for the quarter ended December 2025 was held at DC Office Samba to review the performance of banks in deposits, advances, CD ratio and achievement under the Annual Credit Plan for FY 2025â26. The meeting also reviewed the progress under the Government-sponsored and social security schemes and was chaired by District Development Commissioner Ayushi Sudan and convened by Lead District Manager (LDM) Samba Subash Chander. The DDC took an extensive review of Government-sponsored schemes with special focus on PMEGP, JKREGP, KCC, HADP, PMAY, NRLM and NULM. She impressed upon the banks to achieve 100% digitization of bank accounts. She advised all sponsoring agencies and banks to spread awareness among the people about various self-employment schemes launched by the Government and motivate them to avail the benefits of these schemes for generating self-employment opportunities in the district. She also directed the banks to clear the pending cases sponsored by different Government departments/agencies at the earliest and to give a boost to lending, particularly under Agriculture and Allied Activities, MSME, Housing and Education sectors, to achieve a healthy CD ratio. She further directed the banks to cover all eligible persons under social security schemes viz. PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY. The meeting was also attended by LDO RBI, DDM NABARD, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, AD Fisheries, District Coordinators of J&K Bank, SBI, PNB, JKGB, representatives from other banks and officials of sponsoring Government departments/agencies. Earlier, the LDM informed the house that banks operating in Samba district have recorded deposits of Rs 9058.05 crore and advances of Rs 5171.25 crore as on Dec 31, 2025. The CD Ratio of the District was 57.09%. The achievement of banks in the District under the Annual Credit Plan 2025â26 stood at Rs 2698.13 crore against the annual target of Rs 2580.44 crore as on Dec 31, 2025. Under the Priority Sector, the achievement by banks stood at Rs 1490.00 crore against the annual target of Rs 2032.41 crore, , while under the Non-Priority Sector the achievement was Rs 1208.13 crore against the annual target of Rs 548.03 crore.
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. âDelighted to welcome Honâble Vice-President of India, Shri C P Radhakrishnan Ji at the Srinagar Airport,â LG Sinha wrote on X.     Office of the J&K Chief Minister wrote on X that the CM received Honâble 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. âThe programme is scheduled to begin in the forenoon with the academic procession, followed by the Vice-Chancellorâs annual report highlighting the Universityâs academic achievements, research output and institutional milestones,â said the official, adding, âVice-President Radhakrishnan will then deliver the convocation address and formally confer degrees upon graduating students.â 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. âA total of 59,558 degrees â 44,910 graduates, 13,545 postgraduates, 461 MD/MS, four MCH, 18 MPhil and 620 PhDs â will be conferred at the convocation,â 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 HazratbalâNishatâHarwan 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.
Udhampur, Jan 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday conducted an extensive tour of far-flung areas of Tehsil Panchari of District Udhampur and felicitated the winners of 6th ISKOI India Karate Championshipâ2025 during an impressive medal ceremony held at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari here. Mission Director POSHAN Sajad Ahmad Ganai, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Joint Director School Education Udhampur -Reasi, DDC Member Panchari, other district officers, parents of medal winners and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the girl achievers, their parents and the local populace on the remarkable accomplishment of young girls. She lauded their dedication, discipline and fighting spirit and expressed pride in the fact that many of these medal winners hailed from far-flung and remote areas, overcoming limited resources and challenging circumstances, to bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena said that the achievements of these young girl sportspersons reflect their hard work and their parents as well as the growing sports culture in the region. âYour success proves that talent knows no geographical barriers. With determination and proper guidance, our youth can excel on any national and international platform,â she stated. Highlighting the importance of sports, the Minister said that sporting activities provide a common platform for budding sportspersons to showcase their talent and prepare them to face challenges in life. She urged the participants to actively engage in sports for physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personality development. She assured continued government support for promoting sports activities, especially in rural and far-flung areas, to ensure equal opportunities for talented players. She also lauded the efforts of the International Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation of India for promoting sports culture among youth, especially in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Minister interacted with the players, coaches and parents, appreciating the role of coaches and families in nurturing young talent. She encouraged the medal winners to continue their training and aim for greater achievements at national and international competitions. During the ceremony, as many as 47 medal winners of the 6th ISKOI India Karate championshipâ2025 were felicitated by the Minister and presented trophies and prizes to them. On the sidelines of the event, Sakeena Itoo Later distributed school bags and umbrellas under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Later, the Minister also interacted with DDC Member Panchari, former PRI members and locals who projected several issues and demands pertaining to health, education, road and other sector before the Minister. While interacting with them, the Minister said that the Director Health Services Jammu has been given strict instructions to prepare a holistic plan for upgradation of medical care facilities at the PHC Panchari as well as addressing shortage of staff, owing to the remoteness of area from district head quarters. She further added that the maintenance of road and allied works will be taken up with concerned quarters for immediate redressal. She reaffirmed that the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthen road connectivity, health infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure every basic service is available at the doorsteps of common people. She also said that the Tourism potential of the Panchari area will be tapped to its full extent by the Government, which will eventually lead to overall development of the area and add to its economic efficiency.
Baramulla, Jan 25: The Indian Army on Sunday organised Know Your Army event at District Police Line (DPL) Baramulla. From Artillery guns to Fly past by Drones in action and from new generation vehicles and latest equipment on display, the Dagger Division of Indian Army put on display its weapons to instill national pride among locals in Baramulla. The event was organised to commemorate 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The event was organised by Dagger Division of Chinar Corps to showcase the operational capabilities of the Indian army and to inspire local youth to pursue careers in the Armed Forces, reinforcing National pride and unity. GOC, Dagger Division was the Chief Guest at the occasion while other and senior army officers and officials from civil administration were also present at the occasion. The event was declared open by the by GoC Dagger Division for the public. "Weather did not dampen the spirit of the enthusiastic locals and children who thronged the event in large numbers to witnessed the display," an official handout reads. Major highlights of the celebrations were an impressive capability display of Swarm of Drones, martial arts by Army and children of Chinar Yuva. "Children witnessing the event were enthralled by the mesmerising show of the Canine companions of soldiers," the handout reads. The people present at the occasion were entertained by vibrant, energetic and melodious Kashmiri renditions of famous songs sung by the local band, Strings of Baramulla of Chinar YUVA Center.  A captivating display of state of the art weapons and military equipment found favour with the youth. The event witnessed by approximately 1500 spectators, including Army and government officials besids the students from schools and colleges. The event received widespread appreciations from students and the local community, who expressed admiration for the discipline, dedication and combat readiness of the Indian Army. "Event successfully strengthened public confidence in the armed forces and fostered a renewed sense of patriotism among the youth of Baramulla," the handout reads.
Jammu, Mar 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress protested against the LPG price hike here on Sunday, saying this "anti-poor" decision by the government will add to the financial burden on the common man. Led by PCC president Tariq Hamid Karra and working president Raman Bhalla, the protesters also criticised the Indo-US trade deal, alleging that it will adversely impact the country's economy, according to a party spokesperson. The protesters gathered in Model Town, Digiana, near here, raised slogans against the ruling BJP and criticised what they described as the government's "surrender" in the Indo-US trade negotiations. The price of domestic cooking gas LPG was hiked on Saturday by a steep Rs 60 per cylinder, the second increase in less than a year, as the spike in global energy rates following the West Asia crisis weighed on the world's third largest energy consumer. Non-subsidised LPG -- the one that common households use in kitchens -- will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. The protesters said the continued rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly cooking gas, has added to the financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the protesters, Karra termed the LPG price hike "cruel". Many rural households still do not have access to piped gas supply and rely entirely on LPG cylinders. This will force them to plan their monthly budgets more carefully, he said. He demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike. The Congress leader described the Indo-US trade deal as a "major blow" to the country's economic interests. Instead of safeguarding the nation's economic and strategic priorities, the Centre "bowed to pressure" from the United States, he charged. He also expressed concern over the possible implications of the trade deal on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, and claimed that orchardists and dairy farmers in Jammu and Kashmir will be severely affected if safeguards are not put in place. "Our apple growers, walnut producers and small dairy farmers could face serious challenges if cheap imports enter the market without minimum support guarantees," Karra said. He demanded that the government present a white paper on the trade deal in Parliament. PCC working president Bhalla also strongly condemned the "unprecedented" hike in LPG prices and said poor and middle-class families will be badly affected by this decision of the Union government. He called for an LPG relief package for families belonging to the BPL (below poverty line) category, along with a special subsidy buffer for Jammu and Kashmir, citing the higher transportation and logistics costs in hilly regions. (PTI)
Srinagar, Jan 15: After the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) declared the result of the class 10th and 12th annual (regular) examinations, the whole focus shifted to the achievers, particularly the toppers. Amidst the appreciation and celebrations for the successful candidates, a stark reality has emerged in society that none of the stakeholders talk about those students who could not pass the examination. This emerging trend has become dangerous for the young students particularly the average performers or those who do not pass the exam in their first attempt. Amid this, a government school teacher has put forth a clear message for the parents of those children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams. Aasima Jan, a government school teacher from Baramulla district said that expectations of the parents should not make the students victim of depression. She believes that the parents must stand by their children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams or qualified it with average grades. After the announcement of the results, some students qualified the exams with good marks in class 10th and 12th exams while qualified with average grades while some could not qualify the exams. "Those parents whose children either took less marks or could not qualify for the exam, must be a little upset with their children. As a parent, it is natural to feel disappointed when your child does not come up to your expectations," Aasima Jan said. She however said that the high expectations of parents should not make the child a victim of depression. "Class 10th exam is just a first step in the educational journey of these children. This is not the end of life. Life will provide more opportunities, with more chances and more ways to excel," Aasima Jan said. She said the parents must support their child at this time deal with this setback. "If parents support their child at this time, their kids will bounce back more stronger in future. Parents must tell their children that failures are not opposite to success but are actually part of success," she said. She said there were many people who did not qualify normal exams but proved their worth in life after facing setbacks. "Parents must put in their efforts. Embrace their child, support them instead of letting them down," she said. As the JKBOSE declared the result of class 10th and 12th class examination, the stakeholders and society at large pour praise and attention on the top performers while there was a deafening silence surrounding those who do not pass the examination. The move raised a serious concern, particularly about the way children are being brought up. It raised big question that: âAre we preparing our students to be strong enough to cope with the failure?â
Bandipora, March 8: Department of Social Welfare Bandipora, celebrated International Women's Day 2026 with the inspiring theme, âGive to Gain" at the Auditorium Hall, Kaloosa, Bandipora. The program was graced by ADC Bandipora Zaffar Husson Shawal as the Chief Guest and was attended by District Social Welfare Officer, Bashir Ahmed Malik, supervisors from Mission Poshan, teachers from the Education Department, officials from Mission Shakti/Vatsalya, and students from various schools. Speakers from the DLSA, Education Department, and Mission Shakti highlighted the importance of womenâs rights, empowerment, and equal opportunities. On this occasion, women achievers from across the district were felicitated for their contributions to various fields. Additionally, female students who secured top positions in the 10th and 12th-grade examinations, as well as outstanding female athletes, were honoured for their remarkable accomplishments. During the event, a boutique owner shared her success story, explaining how the initiative helped her start a business and achieve financial independence. Her journey served as a motivation for young women to pursue entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The event featured engaging cultural performances, including a Skit, Laddishah, and a Nukkad Natak focused on women's empowerment. The program concluded with a powerful message of unity and a collective responsibility to support and uplift women in every sphere of life. In a separate function the district administration Bandipora, District Employment and Counselling Centre (DE&CC) Bandipora in collaboration with NRLM Bandipora organised a Women Entrepreneurship and Self Help Group (SHG) Mela under Mission YUVA at Town Hall Hajin on Sunday. Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Zaffar Husson Shawl, presided over the event and highlighted the important role of women in entrepreneurship and economic development. He emphasised that initiatives under Mission YUVA aim to promote self-employment and provide necessary institutional and financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, enabling them to establish sustainable livelihood ventures. The mela provided a platform for women entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase their products and business initiatives. Various SHGs and women-led enterprises displayed locally produced goods, highlighting their skills and entrepreneurial potential while also creating awareness about opportunities available under Mission YUVA and other self-employment schemes. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from women entrepreneurs, members of Self Help Groups, officials from different departments, and local residents.
Sopore, Mar 4: Authorities on Wednesday issued a stern warning against the illegal extraction of sand and other minerals in the Manzseer area of Sopore, vowing to take stringent action against those involved in what officials termed as "looting" water bodies. Reacting to reports of illegal mining activities in the area, District Mining Officer (DMO) Zulfikar Ahmad stated that no one will be allowed to damage the Kashmir's natural resources. "There have been reports of wrong practices in the Manzseer area. We have taken action in the past, but we will not tolerate any further violations," the DMO told media. The official confirmed that the ADC Sopore, S.A. Raina, has been directed to impose a complete ban on illegal mining operations at the site. "We will instruct the ADC to ensure a complete ban so that our water bodies are saved and the health of the people is safeguarded," the officer said. Â "The department will leave no stone unturned in safeguarding our water bodies. No one will be allowed to damage nature or get involved in any wrong practices," he added. The reaction from the mining department comes in the wake of media reports highlighting the activities of the sand mafia in the Manzseer belt. Meanwhile, ADC Sopore S.A. Raina assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of engaging in illegal practices, in accordance with the law.
Srinagar, March 3: Srinagar Police have registered cases against Member Parliament (MP) Aga Ruhulla and Junaid Azim Mattu over circulation of 'misleading' online content. In an official handout issued here, Srinagar Police said that action was taken on credible inputs regarding the circulation of false, fabricated and misleading content across Digital and Social media platforms with the intent to create fear, disturb public order, and incite unlawful activities. "Srinagar Police has registered cases against Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Junaid Azim Mattu in connection with the matter," the handout reads.  It reads that the content in question, prima facie, reflects dissemination of distorted narratives and unverified information capable of causing Public unrest and societal disharmony. "Such deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security, and overall stability," it reads. Accordingly, FIR No. 02/2026 and FIR No. 03/2026 have been registered under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Cyber Police Station, Srinagar. "Investigation into both cases has been initiated and is underway," the Police handout reads.  Srinagar Police have reiterated its firm commitment to maintaining Public peace and law and order. "Citizens are advised to verify information through official and credible sources before sharing content online and to refrain from circulating unverified material that may disturb communal harmony or Public order," it reads. Police said that further legal action shall follow as warranted under law.
Sopore, Mar 3: Security has been tightened in North Kashmir with senior police and CRPF officers conducting a detailed review of the arrangements in Sopore, Bandipora and other areas of Baramulla district. DIG North Kashmir Zone Maqsood-ul-Zaman, along with DIG CRPF North Kashmir, visited various places to take stock of the ground situation. The officers were accompanied by senior functionaries of Police and CRPF. The visiting team inspected the existing security and law and order arrangements and issued necessary directions to the field formations to ensure peace and safety of the people. The DIG also appealed to the locals to maintain peace and extend full cooperation to the security agencies.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirâs Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). âAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,â he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.âIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,â he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebâs research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. âIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,â he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. âIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,â he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,â he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. âMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,â he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. âJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.â âYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,â he further added.
