Leh/Jammu, Oct 12: Ladakh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rahul Sharma on Monday urged eligible residents of Leh and Kargil to verify their names in the draft electoral rolls and submit claims and objections by October 15. Sharma chaired a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties in Leh to review the ongoing revision of electoral rolls for the municipal committees of Leh and Kargil, officials said. The CEO briefed the representatives on eligibility criteria, disqualification provisions and procedures for inclusion of names, correction of particulars and filing of objections. He stressed the importance of accurate and inclusive electoral rolls to ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process. The draft municipal electoral rolls have been published and are available for public inspection. Sharma urged eligible residents to check their electoral details and submit the prescribed forms for enrolment or correction, or file objections wherever necessary, before the October 15 deadline. He also called upon political party representatives to spread awareness about the revision exercise, particularly among eligible residents whose names may be missing from the draft rolls, and encourage them to complete the required formalities within the stipulated timeframe. Prescribed forms were distributed during the meeting to familiarise the representatives with the procedures for inclusion, correction and filing of objections. Representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) attended the meeting, along with Joint Chief Electoral Officer Sonam Chosjor. There are 193 Panchayats in Ladakh, including 95 in Leh and 98 in Kargil. The last Panchayat and Municipal elections in Ladakh were held in 2018 when it was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. Both the bodies have completed their term. (PTI)
Srinagar, Oct 12: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday chaired the 31st meeting of Board of Directors of the Jammu & Kashmir Womens' Development Corporation (JKWDC) Limited at SKICC, today. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Social Welfare Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray; Managing Director JKWDC, Purnima Mittal representatives of Planning & Finance Departments, J&K and Apex Corporations from New Delhi. During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon various important administrative, financial and policy matters concerning the functioning of the Corporation and took several key decisions. In her address during the meeting, Sakina Itoo emphasised the need for the Corporation to function with greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. She advocated a focused approach towards ensuring that the intended benefits of welfare and development schemes reach the eligible Women beneficiaries in a timely manner. Sakeena Itoo called for strengthening the institutional mechanisms, streamlining procedures and improving coordination among the concerned stakeholders to facilitate easier access to financial assistance, self-employment opportunities and other support measures for the Women entrepreneurs. âWelfare interventions should translate into tangible improvements in the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries, particularly through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-relianceâ, maintained the Minister. The Minister directed the Corporation to maintain close engagement with the beneficiaries and community representatives, identify emerging requirements and take necessary measures to address genuine concerns within the prescribed framework. Sakeena Itoo appreciated the efforts of the Corporation and stressed upon all concerned officers to ensure transparency, accountability, efficiency and timely implementation of the decisions taken by the Board in the larger public interest. During the meeting, the Board directed the Corporation to intensify and expedite the recovery of outstanding loans, particularly long-pending dues and adopt all permissible measures for effective follow-up and timely recovery. She enquired about the establishment of online system for recovery and disbursement of various schemes. The Board further approved the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2026â27, covering the revenue and capital requirements of the Corporation and providing for effective implementation of its developmental and welfare-oriented programmes. Also, financial statements for the year 2024-25 were approved by the Board which shall be sent for Audit. The Board emphasized the need for greater financial discipline, improved recovery of outstanding loans, timely implementation of approved programmes and effective delivery of benefits to eligible Women entrepreneurs.
Srinagar, Oct 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday called for a practical and balanced approach to sustainable mountain development, stressing that environmental protection, economic growth and peopleâs livelihoods must go hand in hand. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, jointly organised by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC). The summit, held under the J&K Agriculture Science Congress-2026, is themed around sustainable Himalayan landscapes for inclusive Viksit Bharat and the formulation of a Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasising the urgent need to protect the regionâs fragile mountain ecology, the Chief Minister said climate change, erratic snowfall, water scarcity, extreme rainfall and landslides were increasingly affecting Jammu and Kashmir, making sustainable development essential for its long-term survival. âWe do not take care of our mountains, our environment as much as we should. We cannot stop global warming on our own, nor can we reverse it. The whole world will have to come together to address this challenge. But we can certainly take better care of our own environment,â he said. Referring to changing weather patterns, the Chief Minister observed that snowfall had become increasingly erratic, with reduced snowfall and delayed winter precipitation contributing to water shortages during the spring months. He said prolonged dry spells were often followed by intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flooding, creating fresh challenges for communities and infrastructure. Describing these developments as the new reality, Omar Abdullah said the challenge was to determine how Jammu and Kashmir could continue to develop while adapting to growing environmental risks. âWe have to ask ourselves: how do we sustain our livelihoods and how do we develop? Development is essential, but it must be sustainable,â he said. The Chief Minister cautioned against viewing tourism as the sole cause of environmental degradation, while acknowledging the pressure that growing tourist numbers placed on popular destinations. He stressed that environmental responsibility had to be shared by the government, residents, businesses and visitors alike. âTourism does put pressure on our environment, but to assume that the situation is bad only because of tourism or tourists would also be wrong. We will have to take some responsibility,â he said, urging people to avoid littering, reduce the use of single-use plastic and conserve water and energy. He called for a change in everyday practices, observing that people often discarded plastic wrappers and bottles in public places while expecting the government to clean up after them. While acknowledging the governmentâs primary responsibility for environmental management, he underlined that individual actions were equally important in protecting the natural surroundings. On tourism development, the Chief Minister said the answer was not to abruptly restrict visitors to established destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, where livelihoods depended substantially on tourism. Instead, he advocated developing new destinations through a planned and sustainable approach, with adequate arrangements for sewage treatment, wastewater management and solid waste disposal in place from the outset. âSome of our destinations do not have enough carrying capacity. We have to widen tourism, not to stop people from going to Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, but to develop new and sustainable destinations where the systems for waste disposal and sewage disposal are already ready,â he said. Highlighting the need for environmentally sound infrastructure, Omar Abdullah said unscientific hill cutting during road construction had contributed to landslides and repeated damage to roads, particularly in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He said road construction agencies often resorted to indiscriminate cutting of mountain slopes without adequate consideration for slope stabilisation and appropriate cutting angles. While such practices might reduce initial construction costs, the resulting damage during rainfall frequently necessitated reconstruction, diverting resources that could otherwise be used to build new roads. The Chief Minister said he had asked the Forest and Environment Department and the Public Works Department to work together to ensure that development projects incorporated sustainable engineering practices and reduced the risk of landslides. âWhen you cut a mountain, cut it in a way in which the possibility of landslides may not be eradicated, but at least be reduced,â he said, emphasising that long-term sustainability must take precedence over short-term savings. On urban development and housing, the Chief Minister called for greater emphasis on energy-efficient and earthquake-resilient buildings, along with more efficient land use. With land becoming increasingly scarce in the Valley, he said, planners needed to explore vertical development wherever appropriate rather than continued horizontal expansion, while ensuring compliance with seismic safety requirements. Recalling the devastation caused by past natural disasters, including the 2014 floods and the earthquake that affected the region in 2005, he stressed the need to incorporate disaster resilience into future construction and examine cost-effective ways to retrofit existing buildings. The Chief Minister also highlighted the visible retreat of glaciers in the region, recalling how the glacier near Sonamarg once extended close to the meadows. Today, he said, younger generations have to trek considerably farther to reach the receded glacier. He said the changes underscored the responsibility of the present generation to protect the regionâs natural heritage and preserve it for those who would inherit it. âThat is what we owe the future generations. Protect what we have, retrieve what we can, and ensure that we do not do any further damage, while also ensuring that livelihoods are protected,â he said. Underlining the importance of agriculture and horticulture to Jammu and Kashmirâs economy, Omar Abdullah said the regionâs economic foundations were often misunderstood by those who viewed tourism as its principal source of income. Agriculture and horticulture, he pointed out, contributed substantially more to the economy than tourism. He said protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mountain development were therefore not merely conservation objectives but fundamental to the regionâs economic security, livelihoods and long-term prosperity. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the three-day summit would move beyond academic discussions and produce concrete recommendations that could be translated into effective policies and practical action. He said Jammu and Kashmir aspired to become the first Himalayan territory to have its own mountain policy and that his government was keen to take the initiative forward. However, he stressed that the policy must emerge from wider consultation and reflect the realities of the region rather than being based on idealistic assumptions. âThose recommendations need to be grounded in reality. We need to balance the need for sustainability with the need for existence and livelihoods,â he said. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to delegates and participants who had travelled from different parts of the country to attend the summit and said he would look forward to its recommendations. âI cannot emphasise this point strongly enough. Sustainable development through actionable inputs and practical steps is what I hope this summit will deliver,â he said, wishing the participants success in their deliberations. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released several publications brought out for the summit. Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, President, Integrated Mountain Initiative, STS Lepcha, former president IMI PD Rai, Councillor, Integrated Mountain Initiative, Rajan Kotru, delegates from 11 mountain states, representatives of NGOs, faculty members, scholars, students and other concerned persons were present.
New Delhi, Oct 11: At least 11 Indians were injured in the deadly attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed 12 people and wounded more than 300 others, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday. In a statement on X, the Indian Embassy said it had been following up on Saturday's attack, in which 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured. "It is learnt that 11 Indians are among those injured in the attack. Embassy has been in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well being. Our officials have also reached out to the hospital authorities. We will provide further updates as they become available," the embassy wrote in a statement on X. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation of the repeated attacks on King Khalid International Airport over the past several days, including the October 10 strike. "We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," the ministry said. New Delhi also called for an immediate end to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. "The repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately," the statement added. India expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasising its support for the kingdomâs sovereignty and its hope for a return to peace and normalcy in the region. "We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest," the MEA said. Meanwhile, the Houthis renewed warnings to airlines, travellers and airport workers, urging them to avoid Saudi airports and airspace following the deadly attack. "We renew our warning to all airlines, experts, employees, workers and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are vulnerable to attack and have become a theatre of operations for our forces, with the exception of the airports in (the holy cities of) Mecca and Medina," the group said in a post on X. "We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions." Saudi authorities have temporarily suspended airport operations while assessing the damage and safety conditions. The airport attack comes amid an intensification of fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military involvement in Yemen in recent weeks, launching strikes against the rebels and backing a government counteroffensive after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month. The Houthi-run foreign ministry warned that further Saudi military action would prompt a stronger response. "Unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come, God willing," the ministry said in statements carried by Houthi-run Al Masirah television. Despite the security concerns, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said a major international energy conference would proceed in Riyadh. The five-day WPC Energy Congress is being held at a convention centre around 10 kilometres from the airport. Saudi authorities have also shifted schools in Riyadh to remote learning from Sunday until Thursday as precautionary measures remain in place.
Leh/Jammu, Oct 12: Ladakh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rahul Sharma on Monday urged eligible residents of Leh and Kargil to verify their names in the draft electoral rolls and submit claims and objections by October 15. Sharma chaired a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties in Leh to review the ongoing revision of electoral rolls for the municipal committees of Leh and Kargil, officials said. The CEO briefed the representatives on eligibility criteria, disqualification provisions and procedures for inclusion of names, correction of particulars and filing of objections. He stressed the importance of accurate and inclusive electoral rolls to ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process. The draft municipal electoral rolls have been published and are available for public inspection. Sharma urged eligible residents to check their electoral details and submit the prescribed forms for enrolment or correction, or file objections wherever necessary, before the October 15 deadline. He also called upon political party representatives to spread awareness about the revision exercise, particularly among eligible residents whose names may be missing from the draft rolls, and encourage them to complete the required formalities within the stipulated timeframe. Prescribed forms were distributed during the meeting to familiarise the representatives with the procedures for inclusion, correction and filing of objections. Representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) attended the meeting, along with Joint Chief Electoral Officer Sonam Chosjor. There are 193 Panchayats in Ladakh, including 95 in Leh and 98 in Kargil. The last Panchayat and Municipal elections in Ladakh were held in 2018 when it was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. Both the bodies have completed their term. (PTI)
New Delhi, Sep 12: Loneliness among the elderly is emerging as a serious but often overlooked concern, doctors have warned. Older adults can feel isolated even while living with their families, and prolonged social disconnection can take a toll on both their mental and physical health, they say. According to Dr Harjit Singh Bhatti, a senior consultant of geriatric medicine at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital, loneliness is not simply about living alone but an emotional state in which a person feels disconnected, neglected or deprived of meaningful relationships. "An elderly person can live with their family and still feel lonely, while someone living alone may remain socially active and well connected. Loneliness, therefore, cannot be assessed simply by looking at whether a person lives alone or with others," said Dr Bhatti. Changing family structures, urbanisation, migration of younger people for education and employment and the growing prevalence of nuclear families have further complicated the problem, he said. Older adults who have lost a spouse, live alone, have disabilities or suffer from chronic illnesses can be particularly vulnerable, while retirement and children moving to other cities or countries may further reduce social interaction, Dr Bhatti said. Dr Avinash Chakrawarty, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at National Centre for Ageing (NCA), Delhi AIIMS, said loneliness should be viewed as a health issue rather than a consequence of ageing. Social connection is an important component of healthy ageing, and when it erodes, it can affect sleep, appetite, physical activity, mood and even treatment adherence in an elderly person, he said. Many seniors gradually withdraw from social activities because of mobility problems, hearing difficulties or a feeling that they are no longer needed, Dr Chakrawarty said. "This can create a cycle in which isolation leads to poorer mental and physical health, which in turn makes the person less willing or able to engage with others. "Families need to recognise subtle changes such as loss of interest in routine activities, reduced communication or spending most of the day alone. Regular conversations, shared meals, outings and involving seniors in family decisions can help restore a sense of belonging and purpose," Dr Chakrawarty said. Dr Anup Singh, Founder Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine, IMS-BHU, and nodal officer/Chief of the upcoming National Centre of Ageing at BHU, said prolonged loneliness has been linked with several physical and cognitive health concerns. "Persistent stress associated with loneliness may contribute to sleep disturbances, high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, while reduced physical and social activity can worsen existing chronic conditions," he said. "There is also growing evidence linking social isolation and loneliness with depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. In older adults, therefore, assessing social connectedness should be part of a broader health evaluation," he added. Doctors must ask about who the patient interacts with, how often they participate in activities and whether they feel supported, rather than limiting consultations to medicines and laboratory reports, Dr Singh said. The problem is not restricted to cities, doctors insist. While busy urban lifestyles and limited neighbourhood interaction can leave seniors isolated, migration of younger generations for employment can similarly leave older adults in rural areas without regular companionship, Dr Singh said. Technology can help bridge geographical distances through phone calls, video calls and social media, though, he stated. Dr Bhatti said tackling loneliness does not necessarily require major interventions. "Regular conversations, sharing meals, involving older family members in everyday activities and genuinely listening to them can go a long way. They need to feel that they continue to be an important part of the family," he said. Senior citizen clubs, community centres, volunteering opportunities, cultural programmes and intergenerational activities can also help older adults remain socially engaged. As India's elderly population continues to grow, doctors said addressing loneliness will become increasingly important to ensure that longer life also translates into healthier and more fulfilling ageing. (PTI)
Srinagar, Sep 20: The 5th edition of the Green Valley Model United Nations (GVMUN) concluded at Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) after three days of intensive debate, diplomatic deliberations and discussions on pressing global issues. More than 200 delegates from schools across the Valley participated in the three-day event. The conference was jointly inaugurated by advisor to J&K CM Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar. The valedictory ceremony was attended by social activist Roma Wani as the chief guest and was accompanied by Chairman GVEI, Mohammad Yousuf Wani, Director GVEI Prof. (Dr) Fayaz Ahmad Nika, Principal GVEI, Reyaz Ahmad Kathjoo, faculty members, delegates, staff and students. The three-day conference featured six committees, with delegates taking on the roles of diplomats, policymakers and international representatives to deliberate on complex issues including the Gulf Crisis, international shipping and energy security, and global drug policies. The conference showcased not only public speaking and debating skills but also the ability to develop well-researched policy implications and practical diplomatic solutions, with award-winning papers reflecting diverse approaches to some of the most challenging international questions. Discussions on global drug policies moved beyond conventional debates on prohibition and enforcement, with one position paper advocating a dual-pillar approach combining universal public health, harm reduction and treatment with targeted intervention against transnational criminal networks. The other committees namely Historical Crisis Committee, UNWC, UNSC witnessed thought provoking debates. The Director GVEI Prof. (Dr) Fayaz Ahmad Nikka welcomed the guests and talked about the efforts of this institution in providing the best possible education to its students. The Chief Guest, Roma Wani personally visited the various houses during the last session and interacted with the delegates. She enquired from the delegates about how their interactions and debates can bring changes in the real world. "It is important to take some life lessons from these debates and discussions," she said. While addressing the delegates she said such conferences are very important in nurturing our future generation. "I appreciate the intellect, energy and grit of our students. Our future seems to be in secure hands.â She added. She further said that youth has a greater responsibility to discuss, debate and help in creating a drug free society. The highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the felicitation and prize distribution, where outstanding delegates were recognized for their performance across the various committees, with awards acknowledging excellence in research, diplomacy, articulation, negotiation and committee participation. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Principal GVEI Riyaz Ahmad Kathjoo who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, delegates, other dignitaries and also acknowledged the efforts of the GVMUN Core Team, Executive Board, organising committee, faculty coordinators and participating schools, whose collective efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the conference. The students also presented some cultural performances during the event.
Baramulla, Sep 20: A day-long Science outreach programme was organised by the IQAC and UGC & Research committee in collaboration with Science Department of Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore. As pe the handout issued here, the programme was organised under the supervision of Principal GDC Sopore Prof. (Dr.) Syed Muzaffar Ahmad. The event was organised for higher Secondary School Students of Sopore with the objective of strengthening scientific awareness, encouraging curiosity and inquiry among students, and providing participants with meaningful exposure to science through interaction, inspiration and departmental learning activities. The programme combined formal addresses, inspirational talks besides practical and academic departmental visits. It was followed by feedback and the distribution of participation certificates. Around 56 students from Government Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore participated in the event. The programme commenced with the introduction of the Science Outreach Programme by moderator Dr. Nowsheen Hameed, Assistant Professor Department of Biotechnology. Dr. Javeed Ahmad Sheikh Coordinator, IQAC delivered the Welcome Address and welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the outreach programme. Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Syed Muzaffar Ahmad, delivered the Presidential Address in which he provided institutional context to the outreach initiative and emphasised the importance of scientific awareness, academic engagement and meaningful learning opportunities for students. He also encouraged the participants to make constructive use of the opportunities provided through the programme. Invited resource persons delivered inspirational talks and shared real-life experiences. This segment was designed to connect scientific learning with practical experiences and to motivate students to develop curiosity, perseverance and an interest in science. Interaction with resource persons provided participants with an opportunity to appreciate the role of scientific knowledge and learning beyond the classroom. The first resource person Zeeshan, a neuroscience researcher at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), shared his academic and research journey with the students. The second resource person, Dr. Adil Majeed Rather, DST INSPIRE Faculty, NIT Srinagar, shared his personal academic journey and experiences in research, inspiring students to pursue their aspirations with determination and perseverance. The third resource person, Dr. Rahila Nazir, a researcher with postdoctoral research experience at reputed institutions in India and the United States delivered an inspiring message to the students about the importance of ambition, perseverance and self-belief. The fourth resource person, Dr. Javeed Rasool, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Boston University, USA emphasised that academic marks alone do not determine success in life.
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
Anantnag, Oct 11: Police arrested ten alleged drug peddlers and recovered various narcotic substances in separate operations across Anantnag district, officials said on Sunday. In an official handout issued here JK Police said the arrests were made during intensified naka checking, patrolling and surveillance conducted across the district as part of the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking. During naka checking at Lessu, a police team from Larnoo police station apprehended Mohd Iqbal Dangroo, a resident of Lessu Branard, and recovered approximately 2.393 kg of cannabis from his possession. In two separate incidents in the Arwani area, a team from Bijbehara police station apprehended Mukhtar Ali and Dolal Ali, both residents of West Bengal, and recovered charas from their possession. Meanwhile, a police team from Srigufwara police station apprehended Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Sirhama, near Hatigam Crossing and recovered around 55 grams of charas and 86 grams of charas powder. At Krad Bridge, a team from Uttersoo police station apprehended Mohd Arif Magray, a resident of Deethu Shangus, and recovered 15 grams of a charas-like substance, while a team from Mattan police station arrested Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie, a resident of Gund Bagh, Seer Hamdan, near the Bumzoo footbridge and recovered approximately 90.2 grams of charas. Police Post Dialgam also apprehended Fayaz Ahmad Magray, a resident of Donipawa, at a checkpoint in Bondialgam and recovered around eight grams of a charas-like substance. In another operation, police intercepted an Innova vehicle bearing registration number JK02AN-3114 at Shehlipora Crossing. The vehicle, driven by Irshad Ahmad Ganaie, a resident of Shehlipora, was searched, leading to the recovery of approximately 8.4 grams of a heroin-like substance. The driver was arrested and the vehicle seized. Separately, police apprehended Feroze Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Akingam, Achabal, during patrolling in the area and recovered 18.4 grams of a charas-like substance. In the Cheerpora area, a team from Uttersoo police station arrested Aijaz Ahmad Lone, a local resident, and recovered approximately 12 grams of charas from his possession. Police said cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at the respective police stations and further investigations are underway. Reiterating its commitment to combating drug trafficking, police appealed to the public to share credible information about drug-related activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in efforts to curb the drug menace.
Baramulla, Oct 11: Baramulla Police organised a day-long programme on drug abuse and gender sensitisation at Murtaza Memorial Educational Institute. The programme was organised as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through Police Station Chandoosa and the event aimed at educating students about the adverse consequences of drug abuse and promoting gender equality, mutual respect and social responsibility. During the programme, students were sensitised about the harmful impact of substance abuse on individuals and society, importance of gender-sensitive behaviour, and the role of youth in building a safe, inclusive and drug-free society. A debate competition was also organised to encourage critical thinking and active participation. Certificates and medals were awarded to participants in recognition of their performance. "The initiative reflects Baramulla Policeâs continued commitment to youth engagement, preventive awareness and community partnership in addressing social challenges and fostering responsible citizenship," an official handout, released by Baramulla Police reads
Srinagar, Oct 10: Jammu and Kashmir Grand Mufti Nisar ul Islam on Saturday raised concern over dowry demands and expensive Nikah ceremonies, saying such practices were increasingly burdening families He called for restoring Kashmir's historical position as a seat of Islamic spirituality. Addressing a session of the Muslim Personal Board here, the Grand Mufti said the meeting was a continuation of the Board's work and aimed at examining the present situation in detail. "We would like to look at the current situation in a detailed manner and give our opinion on it, and show the public how we can find a solution to these issues," he said. Referring to the region's legacy as a centre of Sufi saints and spiritual figures, Grand Mufti said our aim is to restore the position of Kashmir which was the place of Sufiya. He said the objective was to enable people to face the challenges confronting the Ummah, and that representatives from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir had been invited to the meeting. He also announced the next session would be held on a large scale and asked people to prepare for it. "The Muslim Personal Board believes in co-operation and wants to work for co-operation," he said. He said participants spoke about moral degradation and the lack of co-operation, besides the validity of the Shariah. "We want Muslims to respect the validity of the Shariah and to follow it," he added. He also pointed to social practices burdening families saying that there are issues related to marriage, dowry, and Nikah has also become very expensive. "There are conditions for dowry, for employment, and moral degradation is increasing," he said. The Grand Mufti said he had instructed his wife, Dr. Nilofer, to bring together women from Srinagar and across Jammu and Kashmir on one platform. "We have called the women who have a strong voice. We hope that their participation will solve the problems we are facing, he added.
Srinagar, Oct 10: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Gurinder Pal Singh Saturday said the Police can deliver only when the public extends its support and appealed to the people to come forward with their issues and concerns without hesitation. "We are here for the protection and welfare of the people. Whenever there are concerns, the public should come forward to us â be it the SHO, SDPO, SSP or even the DIG for the redressal of their sufferings, issues and concerns," SSP Baramulla said while addressing a press conference at SDPO office in Pattan. He said the Police are successful only when people cooperate and support them, adding that only together we can make a peaceful environment for a successful society. The SSP was addressing the media regarding the Police's performance, particularly solving of several theft cases by Baramulla police, including three in Pattan and two in Kreeri. SSP Gurinder Pal Singh also praised his officers for their efforts in securing a peaceful environment for a better and successful society. (KNS)
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
