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.
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 17: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday strongly condemned PDP Chief Mehbooba Muftiâs statement suggesting that if religious places are to be âprofiledâ, the process should start with temples and Hindu priests, instead of mosques and Imams. Inam Un Nabi said AIP was categorically against profiling of any religious place, irrespective of faith or community and such statements only deepen mistrust and polarisation in society. âLet it be Masjids and Imaams or temples and priests, profiling of religious institutions is unacceptable. AIP rejects it completely. Had the issue involved only temples or priests, AIP would have shown the same resentment and protest as we do for Masjids and Imaams,â he said. The AIP spokesperson said faith is a matter of personal conscience and religious belief and it should not be dragged into a culture of surveillance or administrative interference. âWe do not want policing of faith. The role of the administration is to ensure peace and law and order, not to monitor religious identity or religious spaces,â Inam Un Nabi added. He appealed to all political parties to act responsibly and avoid statements that pit one community against another, stressing that Kashmir has a long history of communal harmony which must be protected. âAIP stands for dignity, equality and justice for all. We will oppose any attempt that targets places of worship, whichever religion it belongs to,â he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmirâs youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the governmentâs firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. âAs Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,â he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the governmentâs resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
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."
Srinagar, Jan 29: The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday evening issued a detailed traffic plan and advisory for January 29 in view of road damage and prevailing hazardous conditions along the JammuâSrinagar National Highway (NH-44). According to the advisory, a 40â50 metre single-lane stretch at Kishtwari Pather, affected by road sinking, has necessitated restrictions on the movement of Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs). HMVs will be permitted to ply on alternate days to ease congestion and ensure commuter safety. Passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators have been advised to undertake travel on the JammuâSrinagar highway during daytime only, while night travel has been strongly discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. The advisory also cautions commuters about frost formation between Nachlana and the Navyug Tunnel, following recent snowfall, which could result in slippery road conditions. Traffic authorities have urged motorists to strictly follow lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to traffic jams, especially on narrow stretches. As per the traffic plan, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs, passenger vehicles, HPVs, and private cars will be allowed to move from both Jammu and Srinagar sides on NH-44. However, HMVs will be permitted only from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar, after assessment of road and traffic conditions. No HMV will be allowed to proceed after 2:00 pm, and the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Udhampur will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing such traffic.
Srinagar, Jan 26: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha Monday said that Jammu and Kashmirâs economy was driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy interventions. He said that the J&K's economy was estimated to register a growth rate of 11 percent at current prices. He was addressing people on eve of 77th Republic Day in Jammu. "The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of the J&K UT is estimated at Rs 2,62,458 crore for 2024â25, up from Rs 2,36,059 crore in 2023â24. This positive trajectory underscores the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure expansion, and business-friendly policies," he said. He further said that the tourism sector occupies a pivotal position in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and was granted the status of an industry in 2020 to attract greater investment. "Known as the Paradise on Earth, J&K recorded 1.61 crore tourist visits in 2025 (up to November). While this figure is lower than last yearâs 2.36 crore visits, considering the adverse impact of the Pahalgam incident in April 2025 and subsequent floods, the sustained and focused efforts of the Government have yielded encouraging and resilient outcomes," he said. LG Sinha further said that the Government was making sustained efforts to develop world-class tourist destinations, with financial support from the Ministry of Tourism and external funding agencies. "With a vision to explore and unlock new tourism potential, nine new tourist destinations have been identified, and projects are being prepared to develop these sites in accordance with international standards," he said. He said the road network has witnessed substantial improvement through the execution of various programmes and schemes. "With an overall investment of Rs 61,528 crore, construction and upgradation of one Expressway (DelhiâAmritsarâKatra), five National Highways, and two Ring Roads for Jammu and Srinagar cities are in progress," LG Sinha in his Republic Day address said. "Three tunnels, including the Sonamarg Tunnel, have been completed, while eight tunnels, including the Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages of completion," he said. He said these initiatives have significantly enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time, particularly on the SrinagarâJammu corridor. "The NarbalâShopianâSurankote road, with a spur to MagamâGulmarg (196.50 km), has recently been declared a National Highway," he said. He said to further strengthen connectivity, the Government of India has sanctioned 19 new National Highway projects during 2025â26, at an estimated cost of âč10,637 crore. "These include key projects such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, Sadhna Tunnel, four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora Junction, and the four-lane Magam Flyover on the NarbalâGulmarg section," he said.