KS News Desk Baramulla, Jan 6: Drug abuse has emerged as the biggest challenge in Jammu and Kashmir after terrorism, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range (NKR), Maqsood Ul Zamaan said on Tuesday, asserting that police are taking sustained and strong action to curb the menace. Talking to reporters here, the DIG said police in North Kashmir have made significant progress against drug trafficking, with large quantities of narcotic substances recovered and several people arrested in recent months. He said many of the accused involved in drug-related offences have also been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act. “The J&K Police cannot fight this battle alone. Public cooperation is crucial. Without the support of common people, achieving the desired success against drugs is not possible,” Maqsood Ul Zamaan said. The DIG said police have also begun attaching and seizing properties of drug traffickers as part of efforts to dismantle the entire network and cut off financial links. Responding to a question on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), Ul Zamaan said such tools are often misused to conceal illegal activities and that their misuse is being closely monitored as it could pose a threat to national security. On infiltration attempts in North Kashmir, the DIG said the region being a border area remains sensitive, but security agencies have put robust arrangements in place. “The situation is under constant surveillance, and security forces are fully alert,” he said. Zamaan reiterated that police would continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking while simultaneously seeking cooperation from the public to address the problem effectively. (KNS)

Addresses teachers convention at Udhampur, hails then CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s decision of introducing ReT scheme KS News Desk Udhampur, Jan 5: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday addressed the One Day Convention of Teachers here, underscoring the pivotal role of teachers in shaping a progressive and enlightened society. Director School Education Jammu Naseem Javaid Choudhary, ACR Udhampur, Joint Director School Education Udhampur/Reasi, DSWO Udhampur, CMO Udhampur, CEO Udhampur, other senior officers of Education department and large number of teachers were also present on the occasion. Speaking to a large gathering of educators, the education minister lauded teachers as the true architects of building progressive society, stating that their contribution goes far beyond classrooms and textbooks. “Teachers play a decisive role in nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening moral and intellectual fabric of society”, she said. The education minister called upon teachers to adapt to evolving educational challenges and adopt innovative teaching methods to meet the aspirations of the younger generation. She stressed that continuous professional development and value-based education are essential to keep pace with changing times. She lauded the teachers for their contribution to education sector and said that under the visionary leadership of then Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the revolutionary step of introducing Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme was initiated which changed the dynamics of school education sector in J&K.   She added that due to ReT scheme, students of far-flung areas, who couldn’t afford to move to cities for educational purposes, received education in their respective areas. She highlighted that the teachers need to be acknowledged for their contribution to the society, adding that the large number of IAS, IPS and JKAS officers have studied from government schools for which their teachers need to acknowledged. She emphasised the need to reform and strengthen the teacher–student relationship saying the mutual respect, trust and understanding must form the foundation of all educational institutions. She highlighted that some positive reforms need to be initiated for improving student-teacher relationship in educational institutions. She reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the education sector and assured that sustained efforts are being made by the Omar Abdullah led government to upgrade infrastructure, enhance teaching standards and promote holistic learning across educational institutions of J&K. Addressing the gathering, Director School Education Jammu said the government has worked tirelessly from last one year for the development of education sector, particularly the change of Academic session, timely updation of seniority lists, conduct of DPCs and other related issues have been solved and some are under active consideration of the government. He highlighted that various reformative steps for the betterment of education sector are under process of the government, which will significantly improve the educational standards across Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, various teachers spoke and lauded the efforts of Government, especially education minister for various path breaking initiatives in education sector. They expressed gratitude to Minister for various decisions like change in academic session, regularisation of CPWs, posting of Principals and other teachers in various schools which was long pending issue, availability of textbooks in schools, timely updation of seniority lists as well as regular conduct of DPCs at all levels. On the occasion, the teachers also put forth some demands before the minister like provision of leave salary to teachers at the time of retirement, restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS), withdrawal of teachers from non teaching assignments in other departments like Census, Surveys and others as well as timely disbursement of dues for Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme. On the sidelines of the Convention, the education minister distributed sewing machines among women beneficiaries of Social Welfare department.   She also distributed bicycles among school children for their outstanding performance in various National sports championships and academic activities.

VC sets sight on top spot among SAUsKS News DeskSrinagar, Jan 1: On New Years Day, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir held a special celebratory event to mark the start of 2026 by honouring the scientists, students, and university staff whose efforts propelled the institution to its current standing as the third-best state agricultural university(SAU) in the country.Addressing a packed audience, Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai set a high bar for the coming year. While presenting the Achiever of the Year awards, Prof Ganai credited the university's upward growth trajectory to the relentless hard work of its staff."It is your dedication that has made this university the third-best in the country," Prof Ganai remarked. "The surge in externally funded projects, patents, innovations, and startups is a testimony to your labour. We are a brand university now, and every initiative we take must be for the upliftment of our stakeholders. Our vision is clear: to emerge as a global transdisciplinary university, a strategic policy thinktank, and target J&K as a model bioeconomy for the nation."Registrar, SKUAST-K, Prof Azmat Alam Khan, provided an overview of the previous years milestones, highlighting how the university has become central to the sustainable agriculture and economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.The event also saw the high-profile launch of the SKUAST-K Calendar for 2026. Describing the publication as more than just a datebook, the Vice Chancellor noted that each page was designed to depict the institution's uniqueness and growth story. "Sky is our limit," he told the gathering, "and this calendar invites everyone to be a part of our transformative journey." Alongside the calendar, the December 2025 edition of Shalimar AgriTalk was released, featuring various happenings at the university, success stories and the Vice Chancellors roadmap for the New Year.In a move toward further industrial integration, the university held an e-launch for 550 MSME skill programs aimed at fostering skill development and entrepreneurship among the youth pf Jammu and Kasshmir.The awards ceremony itself was diverse, recognizing a wide spectrum of contributions. "Achiever of the Year" certificates were handed out for innovations, academic excellence, community outreach, and Human Resource Development. Recipients included faculty and student startup founders, Research Station and KVK heads, and Principal Investigators leading major projects like HADP and JKCIP. Scientists who developed groundbreaking technologies and new crop varieties stood alongside administrative staff from various directorates, all recognized for their role in the university's ecosystem.The proceedings were marked by a sense of community and a poignant farewell. Prof. Haroon R. Naik welcomed the faculty and officials, while Prof. Nasir Ahmad Dar conducted the days events. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Joint Registrar Pervaiz Ahmad Bhat. Bhat, who is set to superannuate next month, received a warm acknowledgement from his colleagues for his years of service to the university administration. Vice Chancellor Prof Ganai thanked Bhat for his dedicated service as an astute administrator and a pillar of institutional integrity, whose tireless efforts significantly strengthened the universitys governance during his long and distinguished tenure.Director Extension, Prof Raihana Habib, Director Education Mohammad Altaf Bhat, Deans of various faculties, Comptroller SKUAST-K, Controller Examinations, and other officers of the university were also present at the occasion.

Department saves property worth Rs 5,000 crore, fire incidents decline 25 percent,KS News DeskJammu, Jan 01: The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Jammu and Kashmir responded to 6,039 fire calls, 59 rescue calls and 53 false alarms across the Union Territory in 2025, officials said.As per the official figures, the department deployed 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) supported by 2,157 personnel, saving property worth approximately ?5,000 crore while limiting losses to around ?300 crore.The number of fire incidents declined to 6,039 in 2025 from 8,033 in 2024, a reduction of about 25 percent, attributed to intensified prevention drives and public awareness campaigns.Director Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, said the department continued its Har Ghar Fire Fighter campaign, conducting 9,887 awareness programmes across schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other establishments, reaching over 10.3 lakh people.Officials said fire tenders, QRVs and fire pumps were pre-positioned at vulnerable locations during extreme weather, and local volunteers were trained in basic firefighting. Institutional audits were conducted at 3,728 hospitals, hotels, schools, government offices and commercial establishments, with recommendations issued to improve fire safety infrastructure.The department also supported flood operations in Anantnag and Srinagar, rescue operations in border districts under Operation Sindoor, and fire safety during the Amarnathji Yatra by establishing more than 30 temporary fire stations.A new Fire Training Centre at Bari Brahmana trained two batches in Basic Firemanship and six batches in refresher courses.Officials said the achievements reflect a holistic approach combining operational readiness, prevention, training and community participation to safeguard lives and property across the Union Territory. (KNS)