Srinagar, Feb 02: The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has welcomed the budget recommendations submitted by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) to the Government ahead of the Annual Budget 2026â27. In a statement issued to Kashmir Square, TAAK President Farooq A Kuthoo appreciated KCCIâs focus on tourism and allied sectors. Kuthoo said Tourism continues to remain the backbone of Jammu & Kashmirâs economy and is among the most confidence-sensitive sectors. The minor disruptions, as highlighted by KCCI, have a direct impact on tourist arrivals and on thousands of livelihoods linked to hospitality, transport, handicrafts and other allied activities. In this context, the TAAK appreciates key proposals submitted by KCCI including interest subvention, rationalisation of municipal levies, focused tourism promotion, planned destination development, lake restoration, adventure tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation and the revitalisation of Downtown Srinagar. While endorsing these recommendations, TAAK has also urged the government to consider dedicated Market Development Assistance Schemes for tour operators, who have played a crucial role in sustaining and reviving tourism during difficult periods. âTravel and Tour operators are brand ambassadors who have continued to promote Kashmir in domestic and emerging markets despite repeated challenges, at their own cost. The market development assistance schemes will strengthen promotional efforts, help rebuild traveller confidence, and support steady growth in tourist inflows."
New Delhi, Feb 2 : Baramulla Member Parliament Engineer Rashid on Monday raised the issue of Attacks on Kashmiris in Parliament. After lodging protests in the Parliament, he walked out of House over unending attacks on Kashmiris in states outside J&K. The moment House proceedings began, Engineer Rashid disrupted the proceedings after Speaker didn't allow him to raise the matter. However, while approaching towards the well of the House said, Kashmiris are being attacked continuously in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Recently, a boy from Kupwara got around a dozen stitches on his head when he was beaten to pulp by right-wing goons in Uttarakhand. Is this Modi Ji's Naya Kashmir? Had anyone from Kashmir done a similar act, what would have been his fate? He while pointing towards Congress said, You claim to be secular, but why are Kashmiris being attacked continuously in Himachal Pradesh? Engineer Rashid while having a heated exchange of words with Speaker and a few BJP members sought action under UAPA against those attacking Kashmiris. Later Engineer Rashid walked out of the House to register the protest.
Srinagar, Feb 01: The budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will begin on Monday with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhaâs address to the House. LG will address the members of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly in the Assembly complex at 10:00 AM. This will be his third address to the House since the formation of the elected government in J&K. The Legislative Assembly Secretariat has called for maintaining utmost decency and decorum during the LGâs address. âThe Lieutenant Governor's address is a most solemn and formal act and must be heard with attention and respect, while maintaining utmost dignity, decency, and decorum,â reads a bulletin issued by the Assembly Secretariat. The discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governorâs Address will take place on February 3, 4, and 5. It will conclude on February 5 with the Chief Ministerâs reply. The budget of the J&K Union Territory for 2026-27 will be presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on February 6. Subsequently, there will be a discussion on the budget, and demands for grants will be presented by different departments.
Jammu, Feb 1: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday hailed the Budget 2026-27 as pragmatic which he said will prioritize economic acceleration, create future-ready infrastructure, sustain growth momentum, chart path to $5 trillion economy milestone within few years and comprehensive fiscal strategy will balance growth ambition with social welfare. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails in J&K UT and said that the initiative will generate fresh employment opportunities and invigorate our tourism industry with renewed vigor. "Budget for 2026-27 emphasizes accelerating economic expansion, strengthening infrastructure, advancing manufacturing capabilities across 7 strategic sectors, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to welfare," LG Sinha said. He said budget will have a transformative impact in burgeoning industries, renewed momentum for semiconductor advancement through India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, and a substantial stride toward diminishing India's reliance on other countries for rare earth elements with specialized rare earth zones. The Lieutenant Governor observed that with Artificial Intelligence, job creation and service sector enhancement taking center stage, India's competitive edge will strengthen across every economic domain, while this progressive financial blueprint will establish the foundation for comprehensive sectoral expansion and global prominence. "Budget 2026-27 charts the path to a $5 trillion economy milestone within a few years and presents our ambitious vision to achieve developed economy status in less than 2 decades. The budget also promises unprecedented empowerment for youth, women, and farmers. With manufacturing, infrastructure, MSMEs, healthcare, urban advancement, electronics and supply networks forming the core of the future strategy to maintain the country's economic momentum, I believe we will be able to expand domestic production and ensure substantial employment generation," LG Manoj Sinha said.
Srinagar, Feb 02: The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has welcomed the budget recommendations submitted by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) to the Government ahead of the Annual Budget 2026â27. In a statement issued to Kashmir Square, TAAK President Farooq A Kuthoo appreciated KCCIâs focus on tourism and allied sectors. Kuthoo said Tourism continues to remain the backbone of Jammu & Kashmirâs economy and is among the most confidence-sensitive sectors. The minor disruptions, as highlighted by KCCI, have a direct impact on tourist arrivals and on thousands of livelihoods linked to hospitality, transport, handicrafts and other allied activities. In this context, the TAAK appreciates key proposals submitted by KCCI including interest subvention, rationalisation of municipal levies, focused tourism promotion, planned destination development, lake restoration, adventure tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation and the revitalisation of Downtown Srinagar. While endorsing these recommendations, TAAK has also urged the government to consider dedicated Market Development Assistance Schemes for tour operators, who have played a crucial role in sustaining and reviving tourism during difficult periods. âTravel and Tour operators are brand ambassadors who have continued to promote Kashmir in domestic and emerging markets despite repeated challenges, at their own cost. The market development assistance schemes will strengthen promotional efforts, help rebuild traveller confidence, and support steady growth in tourist inflows."
Meer Javeed Handwara, Jan 30: Residents of Kohinoor Colony Handwara Friday complained that the authorities did not clear the snow from the link road of Rest House to Kohinoor Colony Handwara. Locals told this correspondent that they were facing hardships as the snow has accumulated on the link road of Rest House to Kohinoor Colony Handwara area of district Kupwara. "This has restrained our movement as the authorities did not clear the inner link road," the locals said Local residents appealed concerned authorities to look into the matter and clear snow from road so that the residents of Kohinoor Colony will overcome from the hardships.
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.
Bengaluru, Jan 9: BGS Bloomfield School celebrated its Annual Day 2026 with a grand cultural evening showcasing creativity, talent, and holistic learning. The event, held on the school campus, featured vibrant performances by students from Nursery to Grade 10, reflecting the institutionâs commitment to academic excellence, character-building, and co-curricular development. Member of Parliament from Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency, P C Mohan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while renowned Kannada stand-up comedian Gangavathi Pranesh was the Guest of Honour. Their presence added inspiration and enthusiasm to the celebrations, encouraging students to pursue their aspirations with confidence and dedication. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a series of captivating cultural performances, including classical dance, theatre, musical ensembles, and thematic presentations centred on unity, gratitude, and nation-building. Each performance reflected months of preparation and the dedicated guidance of the schoolâs faculty. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Dr B Gurappa Naidu expressed pride in the studentsâ achievements. âAnnual Day is a reflection of our studentsâ creativity, discipline, and teamwork. At BGS Bloomfield, we strive to nurture every childâs potential by offering a balanced environment that promotes academic excellence alongside cultural enrichment,â he said. He added that the performances stood as a testament to the collective efforts of students, teachers, and parents. Chief Guest P C Mohan lauded the schoolâs holistic approach to education, saying it was inspiring to see young students display confidence, discipline, and creativity on stage. âInstitutions like BGS Bloomfield play a vital role in shaping responsible and empowered citizens of the future,â he said. He congratulating the management, faculty, and students for the impressive celebration. Guest of Honour Gangavathi Pranesh brought a touch of humour to the occasion while appreciating the studentsâ heartfelt performances and the schoolâs emphasis on value-based education. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents, and partners in making the celebration memorable. "The Annual Day reinforced BGS Bloomfieldâs vision of nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners," the handout reads.
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
Srinagar, Feb 1: Senior AIP Leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khurshid along with AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, addressed a press conference here today, outlining a series of political and humanitarian initiatives taken by the Awami Itihaad Party both inside and outside the Assembly. During the press conference, Sheikh Khurshid informed that on January 24 he had personally handed over a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting him to convene an all-parties meeting. The proposed meeting seeks to deliberate on the participation of incarcerated Doda MLA Mehraj Malik in the forthcoming Assembly session by passing a resolution urging the Lieutenant Governor to ensure his presence in the House. The MLA Langate also strongly condemned recent attacks on Kashmiris living and working in different parts of the country. He questioned the silence of the Lieutenant Governor and urged him to speak up on these incidents and to take up the matter with Governors, Chief Ministers, the Union Home Secretary and the Union Home Minister to ensure the safety and protection of Kashmiris across India. While discussing legislative initiatives, Sheikh Khurshid said he has brought a resolution seeking citizenship and legal status for women and children who returned from Pak and settled in Jammu and Kashmir under the Governmentâs Rehabilitation Policy. He noted that despite residing in the Union Territory for many years, many of these families remain without citizenship or legal recognition, leading to denial of basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities and identity documents. The resolution urges both the J&K Government and the Government of India to grant citizenship or appropriate legal status, issue valid domicile and identity documents, and ensure dignity, security and constitutional safeguards for these individuals. Another resolution highlighted by the MLA concerns the termination of government employees in Jammu and Kashmir without issuance of show-cause notices or providing them an opportunity to defend themselves. Terming such actions a blatant violation of principles of natural justice, Sheikh Khurshid said the House should demand a transparent and fair mechanism allowing affected employees to prove their innocence. The resolution also seeks reinstatement of those found innocent through proper legal and administrative review. Sheikh Khurshid further informed that a resolution has been moved seeking the return and transfer of all power projects to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. He said this would help ensure cheaper electricity, strengthen power infrastructure, enhance revenue generation and provide relief to electricity consumers in the Union Territory. Additionally, the MLA said a Bill has been introduced to promote participation of local youth in gravel and other minor mineral mining activities. The proposed legislation aims to provide a statutory framework for outsourcing mining activities to locals and was introduced to safeguard local interests and generate employment opportunities. The AIP leadership reiterated its commitment to raising public issues through democratic and constitutional means, both inside the Assembly and on public platforms.
Srinagar, Feb 1: Srinagar Police organised a farewell ceremony in two officials who attained superannuation from their services. The farewell function was organised to give a send-off to Sub-Inspector Deedar Singh and Follower Qismat Jan, at District Police headquarters Srinagar. Both officers have rendered years of dedicated and commendable service to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr. G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, lauded the Retirees for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and integrity throughout their careers. He expressed his deep appreciation for their valuable contributions and extended his best wishes for their post-retirement life. The event was also attended by DySP Headquarters Syed Sleet Shah, DySP DAR Nazir Ahmad, ADO Manzoor Ahmad and other officers, who joined in expressing their gratitude and admiration for the retiring personnel. As a token of recognition, SSP Srinagar presented certificates of appreciation to both officials, acknowledging their dedicated service and significant role in maintaining law and order over the years.
Meer Javeed Handwara, Jan 30: Residents of Kohinoor Colony Handwara Friday complained that the authorities did not clear the snow from the link road of Rest House to Kohinoor Colony Handwara. Locals told this correspondent that they were facing hardships as the snow has accumulated on the link road of Rest House to Kohinoor Colony Handwara area of district Kupwara. "This has restrained our movement as the authorities did not clear the inner link road," the locals said Local residents appealed concerned authorities to look into the matter and clear snow from road so that the residents of Kohinoor Colony will overcome from the hardships.
Srinagar, Jan 30: Senior Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) leader and MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, has condemned the brutal assault on an 18-year-old Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand, terming the incident âdeeply disturbing and unacceptable.â In a statement issued here, Sheikh Khursheed said such acts of violence against Kashmiri youth outside Jammu and Kashmir cannot be brushed aside as isolated incidents. He appreciated the concern expressed by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, but raised serious questions over the continued silence of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. âWhy is the LG silent? He has never uttered a single word on any such attack. When any citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is beaten and humiliated outside the UT, the head of the administration cannot look away,â Sheikh Khursheed said. He alleged that the administration shows excessive harshness at home while remaining mute on attacks against Kashmiris elsewhere. âYou slap PSA on MLAs, bulldoze and blast houses, terminate employees, silence voices, and yet remain silent when our people are attacked outside. This selective approach is deeply troubling,â he said. He said the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was the custodian of the dignity and safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "It was his clear duty to take up such grave incidents firmly with the Union Government and the concerned state governments," he said. He further said that silence only emboldens perpetrators. "The dignity and safety of Kashmiris must be defended wherever they are,â Sheikh Khursheed said. He further demanded accountability and concrete action to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
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.
