Jammu, Feb 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was facing a severe threat from climate change, particularly in the form of a water crisis, stressing the need for greater awareness and action.
We are not doing enough to educate our people about what is happening with climate change and the dangers it poses. A lot of that responsibility lies with us as political leaders, the Chief Minister stated while addressing the inaugural session of a three-day workshop on 'Capacity Building in Innovation Pedagogy for the Implementation of NEP-2020' at Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
The workshop is being organized by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Center (MMTTC) in collaboration with the Skill Incubation, Innovation, Entrepreneurship Development Center (SIIEDC), University of Jammu. The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Professor Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellors of SMVD University, BGSBS University, and Cluster University of Jammu, along with senior faculty members, Principals of various colleges and students.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, the Chief Minister highlighted the alarming precipitation deficit in Jammu and Kashmir.
Until this morning, when the rains finally came, we were facing an 80-85% precipitation deficit this winter, signaling a major water crisis. Our agricultural patterns rely on the assumption of sufficient water availability. But with current water levels, cultivating paddy, which is water-intensive, would be nearly impossible, he warned.
Speaking on the Design Your Degree (DYD) program under the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the Chief Minister stated that the initiative empowers students to shape their education according to their interests, enhancing their skills and aligning them with evolving job market demands.
As Jammu and Kashmir s private sector expands particularly in industry and tourism and as the region integrates further into the national economy, more job opportunities will emerge. With Jammu University gaining national recognition, students equipped with relevant skills will have a competitive advantage, he said. Reflecting on the pressure students face to secure high percentages, the Chief Minister remarked, It s astonishing how much pressure we put on our children. When you see the cut-off percentages for top colleges like those in Delhi University some even at 100% it raises the question: what is beyond 100%?
He emphasized that the Design Your Degree program marks a transformative shift in education by allowing students to study subjects that genuinely interest them.
This is a significant change from the traditional model, where students were told what to study. Now, they have the freedom to design their degree, enhancing both their academic experience and career prospects, he said. Discussing future prospects in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), agriculture and tourism, the Chief Minister highlighted AI s growing impact on education and industry.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we approach learning and work. While it presents challenges, like the ease of using tools like ChatGPT for academic tasks, it also offers immense opportunities for innovation and growth, he observed.
He acknowledged the role of faculty members from Delhi University, pioneers of the Design Your Degree initiative, in guiding the program s implementation.
This shift requires a change in mindset for both students and teachers. Traditionally, teachers were told what to teach. Now, students are asked, What do you want to learn? and teachers must adapt their approach accordingly. The expertise of these eminent professors is invaluable as we navigate this transition, he added.
The Chief Minister expressed his commitment to supporting Jammu University in its academic endeavors, both in his individual capacity and as the Pro-Chancellor of the university.
I assure you that as long as I am here, I will do whatever I can to help Jammu University grow and thrive, he affirmed. Congratulating the Vice-Chancellor, faculty, and students of Jammu University for achieving the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation, CM extended his best wishes for the success of the three-day workshop.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also interacted with students from Government Women s College (GWC) Parade and Jammu University under the Design Your Degree program, who shared their learning experiences. He described the interactions as inspiring and expressed his eagerness for more such engagements with young and talented minds.
'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 12: The Kashmir region continued to experience a severe cold wave on Monday, with minimum temperatures dropping below the freezing point in most parts, officials said. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund and Kupwara registered minus 3.6°C and minus 3.7°C, respectively. Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded minus 3.4°C, and Shopian and Pulwama reported minus 5.2°C and minus 6.5°C, according to the Kashmir Weather office. Other areas such as Anantnag and Zethan Rafiabad recorded minimums of minus 3.9°C and minus 4.5°C, while Ganderbal and Kulgam remained slightly warmer at minus 1.4°C and minus 1.6°C. In the Jammu region, temperatures remained near freezing in several towns. Bhaderwah recorded minus 1.2°C, while Samba, Rajouri, and Udhampur saw minimums of 0.7°C, 0.8°C, and 1.2°C, respectively. Jammu city recorded 3.4°C, Katra 5.0°C, and Kishtwar 6.1°C. Ladakh continued to experience extremely cold conditions, with Hanle recording the lowest at minus 15.0°C. Leh and Kargil reported minus 10.8°C and minus 9.3°C, while Nubra Valley saw minus 8.4°C. Officials have advised residents, especially in high-altitude areas, to take precautions against the cold wave, which is expected to persist over the next few days. (KNS)
Jammu, Jan 8: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the main Republic Day celebrations, 2026, at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, where he will also take the salute. As per the official circular issued by General Administration Department (GAD), all the government officers and employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) stationed in Jammu have been directed to attend the event as part of their official duties. The administration has also instructed all Heads of Departments and Chief Executives of PSUs to ensure their own presence along with that of their staff to mark the occasion with due decorum and participation. Further, the Beating Retreat Ceremony for the Republic Day celebrations will take place on January 29, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu. Officers and officials of all government departments in Jammu have been asked to attend, and Heads of Departments and PSU Chief Executives are expected to ensure the participation of their subordinate employees as well. (KNC)
KS News DeskSrinagar, Dec 31: The Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh Wednesday concluded the three-day Conduct of Mediation - Advanced Course (Capsule Course), Training of Trainers Programme."The training was conducted simultaneously at the Jammu and Srinagar campuses of the J&K Judicial Academy under the patronage of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy and the J&K Legal Services Authority.The programme marked the successful culmination of a 20-hour advanced mediation training course."Designed for mediators and advocates, the programme focused on strengthening advanced mediation skills through a blend of theoretical inputs, roleplay exercises, and reflective practice," the official handout reads.The concluding days sessions were conducted by Puneeta Sethi, Advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court, and Rita Das Mouzumdar, Advocate, Gauhati High Court, both accredited Mediation Trainers with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India.On the final day, participants engaged with advanced aspects of mediation practice.The sessions opened with a detailed module on Negotiation, covering negotiation styles, core negotiation skills, barriers to effective negotiation, cognitive biases, and the role of the mediator in facilitating principled and effective negotiations.The session included a roleplay exercise followed by discussion and reflection.Subsequent sessions focused on Impasses in Mediation, examining the nature and causes of impasse and the stages of impasse. Participants were guided through the mediators role in managing deadlocks, including assessment strategies, option generation, lateral thinking, reframing, and the appropriate use of external resources.The programme also addressed false impasses, avoidance strategies, and techniques for moving parties toward resolution. A dedicated session on ethics and standards of conduct to be followed by mediators highlighted professional responsibility, neutrality, and accountability in mediation practice.Throughout the day, the sessions combined lectures, roleplays, and interactive discussions, enabling participants to consolidate learning from the previous two days and apply advanced concepts to practical mediation scenarios.The concluding sessions were described by participants as highly reflective, offering a comprehensive understanding of advanced mediation techniques and reinforcing the importance of structured, ethical, and skill-based mediation practice.At both Jammu and Srinagar wings, a formal vote of thanks was conveyed, expressing gratitude to the Chief Justice, the Governing Committees of the J&K Judicial Academy, the J&K Legal Services Authority, the resource persons, and the participating officers for ensuring the success of the programme.Across both centres, participants appreciated the hands-on, simulation-based approach, noting that the structured role-plays offered practical clarity on how mediation tools can be integrated into everyday judicial work. The simultaneous conduct of the programme at Jammu and Srinagar reflects on-going efforts of the Honble High Court of J&K and Ladakh to broaden mediation awareness and strengthen ADR capacity across the UTs. With these acknowledgments, the simultaneous programmes at Jammu and Srinagar concluded on a dignified and purposeful note, marking the successful culmination of the days training proceedings.