Says this deal brings great relief and hope to end of war and bloodshed in Middle East
Srinagar Jan, 18: Former Union Minister and Congress leader Prof. Saifuddin Soz on Saturday welcomed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire arrangement, which will take effect tomorrow, has brought great relief and generated hope for the end of the 15-month-long war that has caused death and misery to the people of Gaza during this period.
In a statement issued here, Soz said it will be a great relief that the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal is set to take effect tomorrow (Sunday). He also said that this long-awaited development is expected to end the war that has caused the loss of numerous lives and rendered thousands homeless in Gaza over the past 15 months.
The ceasefire agreement is expected to pave the way for the release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages, allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, and facilitate the return of thousands of families to their homes. This is truly a positive and an encouraging development. May this ceasefire lead to lasting peace and enduring stability in the region, Soz said.
'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.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s 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). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” 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.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” 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,” 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. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The University of Kashmir (KU) has made the biometric attendance mandatory for the students of its affiliated colleges from Academic session 2026-27. The development comes in wake of the complaints about the thin attendance of the students in various private B.Ed colleges affiliated with the Kashmir University. A circular in this regard has been issued by the Assistant Registrar Dean Colleges Development Council (DCDC) of the University. "All the Chairpersons and Principals of private affiliated colleges of the University of Kashmir are hereby informed that biometric attendance for all the enrolled students and staff has been made mandatory from the year 2026-27," the KU circular reads. The Principals of all the affiliated colleges have been directed to install biometric attendance machines in their respective institutions on or before the commencement of the Academic year 2026-27 under intimation to the Dean College Development Council of the University. "The college shall also ensure proper upkeep, maintenance, and systematic preservation of all biometric attendance records for future reference and verification," it reads. The Colleges have been directed to comply with this directive "without fail." The move comes in wake of the inspections conducted last year by the DCDC of KU in various B.Ed colleges where most of the students were found absent. An official said that there were complaints about the poor attendance of the students in B.Ed colleges. "The students do not attend their B.Ed classes regularly which defeats the purpose of the course," the official said. Earlier, DCDC of KU earlier barred the B.Ed students to appear in teh semester exams for falling short of attendance. The decision was taken in wake of the surprise inspection conducted by Dean College Development Council (DCDC) in various B.Ed colleges of Kashmir in June-July month of 2025 and several students were found absent from the classes. Following this, the students were directed to attend supplementary classes to complete the recommended attendance for appearing in their exams. Also, the exam of these students was deferred by few months.
Baramulla, Jan 9: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla on Thursday said that the situation caused by the landslides on Ur-Baramulla was temporary and would be resolved once the excavation process of the road is completed. The statement comes amid the concerns over recurring landslides on the Uri–Baramulla road due to ongoing road widening project being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Talking to Kashmir Square, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa said that such issues are common during the construction of hill roads and should not be viewed as an unusual development. “There is no major issue. Whenever a hill road is constructed or widened, such problems are recurrent,” he said. He further said that the slopes usually take time to stabilise after excavation. "The excavation process affects the natural stability of the hillside and it generally takes one to two years for slopes to fully stabilise," he said. Minga Sherpa said several slope stabilisation measures are already in place to minimise risks. “Grouting has been done and protective walling has also been constructed at several points,” DC Baramulla told Kashmir Square. He further said that around 200 metres of excavation work is still pending on the stretch and the remaining cutting work is expected to be completed within a month. “Once the excavation is finished, the BRO and concerned agencies will carry out full-fledged slope stabilisation measures. After that, such incidents will not occur again,” he said. Over the past few weeks, the Uri–Baramulla road, a vital link connecting the border town of Uri with Baramulla district witnessed intermittent traffic disruptions due to landslides triggered by excavation work, raising safety concerns among commuters. The Baramulla–Uri National Highway remained closed on Thursday after another landslide struck the stretch - the third such incident reported in the last 20 days, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. A fresh landslide hit the highway on Thursday afternoon, forcing authorities to immediately halt traffic movement on the route as a precautionary measure. It was the third such incident in just 20 days on the Baramulla–Uri National Highway, following two earlier slides that also triggered full traffic halts and diversions through alternate routes. Only emergency vehicles were allowed to pass, while all routine traffic was stopped to avoid any untoward incident. An official said the road clearance operations were launched soon after the incident, with personnel and machinery mobilised to remove debris and stabilise the affected area. "The highway was made motorable again from the evening hours," he said. The closure of the main Baramulla–Uri National Highway compelled authorities to divert vehicles through the dilapidated Khadniyar–Gantamulla road.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has pulled up the officers vested with the powers of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) as their additional assignment, for indulging in administrative works, beyond their domain. As per the order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, the officers having additional DDO powers, have been reprimanded for going beyond their role of duties. "It has come to the notice of the DSEK that many officers of the department vested with DDOs powers are affecting transfers and doing administrative works having no authority to do so," the order reads. As per the order, all these DDOs holding charge in additional capacity have been asked to utilise the powers for the purpose of drawing and disbursing salary and other financial matters within the limits of the authority. "The officers shall not exercise any administrative powers particularly with respect to the transfer of staff," it reads. The DSEK has warned of disciplinary action in case of violation of the order by any officers. "Any deviation from the instant order shall be viewed seriously and invite disciplinary action," it reads.
Srinagar, Jan 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government for its failure to appoint a chairman for JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE) in the last one year. BJP termed it as an administrative failure due to which JKBOSE was functioning without a permanent Chairman since January 2025. In a statement issued here, BJP said that despite the passage of nearly one year, the government has failed to appoint a regular Chairman for JKBOSE, raising serious concerns about governance and the future of students. The party questioned the Omar government over the prolonged delay, asking why no permanent appointment has been made in an entire year and who would be held accountable if students’ careers are adversely affected due to administrative uncertainty. BJP further alleged that the delay was deliberate, claiming that instead of appointing a competent and deserving candidate, the government was allegedly attempting to accommodate its close associates. “This is not merely a delay but a clear reflection of the Omar government’s flawed priorities and political interference in crucial educational institutions,” the party said. The party statement said that such practices were detrimental to the academic interests of lakhs of students. The BJP demanded immediate appointment of a permanent JKBOSE Chairman on merit, warning that continued inaction would further expose what it termed as the government’s “misgovernance and political favoritism."
KS News DeskSrinagar, Nov 26 (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday alleged that the BJP "helped the People's Democratic Party secure a win" in the recently held Budgam bypoll."Do you think the BJP had no role to play in PDP's success? Did the BJP not field the proxy candidates? It was all manipulated," he told reporters here.The ruling National Conference (NC) lost the bypoll to the PDP by over 4,000 votes.The poll was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the seat following his election from the family bastion of Ganderbal as well in last year's assembly polls.The result of the bypoll was declared on November 14.Choudhary added, "But we are proud that the people stood by the NC candidate. The whole (BJP-led central) government was working to ensure PDP's win."The deputy chief minister said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti had met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha before the election, and "we got to see in Budgam that she must have discussed with the LG the ways to defeat the NC"."Let them celebrate for a few days. Budgam has always supported the NC and will do so in the future. There were some misunderstandings, and those will be resolved," he added, apparently referring to the differences with the party's Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, Ruhullah Mehdi.The MP has had a strained relationship with the party leadership over several issues, including reservation.Mehdi, who has represented Budgam, a Shia-dominated seat, in the assembly thrice before, didn't campaign for the party candidate in the bypoll and stayed away from the election.Choudhary further told reporters that the Omar Abdullah-led government is promise-bound to work for the welfare of the people."We will fulfill all the commitments made in our manifesto. I only appeal to the people that they do not fall for rumour-mongering. It is a conspiracy to create a gap between the people and the NC," he said.On the issue of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) admissions, the deputy CM said people should desist from communalising education."The beauty of India lies in its unity in diversity. Jammu and Kashmir has always been known for brotherhood and communal harmony. I only want to tell those people who want to communalise education, that please spare it," he said.Earlier, a delegation of BJP legislators called on Sinha and sought the revocation of the first admission list issued by the SMVDIME in the Reasi district.The delegation, led by the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, questioned the selection list, alleging that a majority of the admitted students belonged to one community.They urged the administration to ensure that students "having faith in the deity" be considered for admission.
Cong cannot favour BJPs win, LoP must stop issuing baseless claimsKS News DeskSrinagar, Oct 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday exuded hope that the National Conference (NC) would emerge victorious in all four seats in the Rajya Sabha elections, slated to be held on October 24.He also urged the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, to stop issuing baseless statements.On the sidelines of the joint strategy meeting, the Chief Minister told media persons that ahead of every Assembly session, a Legislature Party Meeting is conducted, and today, NC and other independents held a meeting to devise a strategy.This session is different from others as elections for the Rajya Sabha are being held, and a strategy was being prepared to secure victory in all the seats, he said, terming the meeting as significant.I am thankful to Tarigami and other independents for attending the meeting. With the enthusiasm that can be seen among the NC MLAs and other independents, I am hopeful that NC will secure all four Rajya Sabha seats, he said.The Chief Minister, while replying to a query about Congresss non-participation in the meeting, said that they did not join as they had their own meeting.Congress has always maintained that they will not allow the BJP to emerge victorious. Congress has its own system. There is a difference between their party and ours. They have to wait for the party high commands decision, whereas we take decisions here, he said.The Congress high command cannot be in favour of the BJP, he said, referring to Congresss participation in the Rajya Sabha elections.He added that although, at the local level, Congress was ready to contest the bypolls, the high command decided to leave the seat for NC, and therefore, the candidate was announced.Regarding PDPs support, the Chief Minister said that NC leader, Shami Oberoi, met PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti today and requested, on behalf of the party, to support the NC candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections."Earlier, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also spoke with her. Although no decision has been made public by the party yet, they have promised us that a decision will be taken after internal discussions, he said.On the LoPs statement, the Chief Minister said that he must clarify who made the offer to form a government with the BJP.We have not made any such offer. We do not hide anything. The LoP must stop issuing these baseless statements, he added. (KNO)