KS News Desk
Srinagar, April 20: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has strongly reiterated its demand for a comprehensive crop insurance scheme in Kashmir to avoid repeated and devastating losses to the horticulture sector, following the recent hailstorm that wreaked havoc across the Valley.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the latest hailstorm has once again exposed how vulnerable the valley orchardists are.
"From Kupwara to Shopian, marginal growers have suffered massive losses. This cannot go on the government must implement a robust crop insurance scheme now to protect growers from future disasters," he said.
Inam said that every hailstorm crushes the year-long toil of farmers and sends shockwaves through the entire horticulture economy.
"Crop insurance is not a luxury it is an absolute necessity if the government is serious about safeguarding livelihoods," he said.
The Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and orchardists across Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Sopore, Tangmarg, Pattan, Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama and other areas have reported significant losses after the hailstorm, which covered orchards in a layer of ice and caused widespread damage.
Inam Un Nabi also expressed deep sorrow over the flash floods in Dharam Kund, Ramban, where more than 40 houses were damaged and over 100 villagers rescued.
We salute the rescue teams for their swift action. The government must now ensure immediate ex-gratia compensation and provide dignified rehabilitation to the affected families, he said.
Meanwhile, AIP Senior Leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed toured several rain-affected areas in Langate constituency to assess damages on the ground.
AIP General Secretary Prince Parveez visited Saderkoot Payeen, Bandipora, where two houses were destroyed in a fire, assuring full support and urging the administration to extend urgent assistance to the affected families.
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.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students â 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 studentsâ56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. âHundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,â said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the facultyâs demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. âWe are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,â he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. âThe irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,â he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for âequal work, equal payâ gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. âPromises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,â he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. âThis issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,â he said.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. âSuch remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. âEvery success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,â he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the countryâs most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
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.
Srinagar, March 3: Srinagar Police have taken serious cognizance of the 'deliberate circulation' of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain News Channels, Media outlets, and individuals across electronic and social Media platforms. In a statement issued here, Srinagar Police said these elements were systematically attempting to spread distorted narratives and unverified content with the clear intent to incite unrest, disturb Public order, and create disharmony in society. "Such malicious misinformation campaigns pose a grave threat to peace, security, and the integrity of the Nation," the statement reads. Acting firmly, Srinagar Police has registered FIR No. 01/2026 at Cyber Police Station under relevant legal provisions. "Several Profiles have been identified, and concerned individuals have been summoned to the Cyber Cell. Investigation is actively underway, and strict legal action will follow against anyone found involved," it reads. Srinagar Police issued a "clear warning" that spreading fake news, inflammatory content, or unverified information will invite stringent legal consequences. "Citizens and media organizations are advised to exercise responsibility and verify facts only from official and credible sources before sharing any content that may disturb communal harmony or public order," the statement reads. The statement reads that Srinagar Police remains resolute in maintaining law & order and will not allow any attempt to destabilize peace in the region.
Waris Fayaz Gulmarg, Feb 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday unveiled its newly formed elite âSnow Leopardâ squad, a specialized high-altitude unit created to strengthen security and carryout anti-terror operations in mountainous and snow bound regions across the Union Territory. As per the details, the squad has been deployed for the first time during the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, where it is responsible for securing athletes, officials and visitors at elevations reaching nearly 14,000 feet. A top Police official said that the deployment marks the operational debut of the unit, designed specifically for mountain security operations and extreme terrain challenges. âThe Snow Leopard squad has been raised to respond to emerging terror threats in high altitude zones, where terrorists attempt to exploit difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. The unit consists primarily of personnel drawn from the Jammu and Kashmir Policeâs Special Operations Group and functions as a dedicated wing for snow and mountain warfare,â the official added. âThe squad personnel underwent over six months of intensive specialized training, conducted alongside elite formations including the Armyâs Para Commandos and the Greyhounds Special Forces to enhance combat readiness and operational coordination. The squad has been trained to operate in sub zero temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, low oxygen environments, dense forests and avalanche prone areas,â he said. Apart from combat roles, the unit has also received disaster response training to handle avalanches, landslides, and other natural emergencies common in mountainous areas. The unit currently comprises more than 100 trained personnel, the Snow Leopard squad can be deployed anywhere across Jammu and Kashmir where high altitude operations are required, the official said.