Srinagar, Jan 17: The Department of Students Welfare (DSW) University of Kashmir (KU) in collaboration with the varsity’s Health Centre Saturday organised a Special Social Service Camp and Medical Camp on the eve of the revered occasion of Mehraj-ul-Alam.
The initiative was aimed at extending community service and healthcare support to devotees who had gathered in large numbers to visit the Hazratbal Shrine.
The twin camps were set up at the Sir Syed Gate of the University campus, where refreshments were served to devotees arriving from various corners of the Valley, while free medical check-ups and basic healthcare services were also provided at the medical camp.
To ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the camps the Proctorial Wing of the university made elaborate arrangements while managing the flow of devotees and maintaining discipline and coordination at the venue.
Vice-Chancellor KU Prof Nilofer Khan, who was present on the occasion, personally served refreshments to the devotees, reflecting the institution’s spirit of compassion and inclusivity.
The Vice-Chancellor remarked that the University has always stood committed to serving society beyond its academic mandate, particularly on occasions of deep religious and social significance.
She highlighted the broader role of university in community engagement and said that such initiatives reaffirm the university’s responsibility towards society.
Registrar, KU Prof Naseer Iqbal, appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in organising the camps and said that the initiative exemplified the university’s commitment to social responsibility.
Dean Students Welfare KU Prof Pervez Ahmed stated that the Department of Students Welfare KU remains actively engaged in promoting student-led and institutional social service activities.
He said that organising such camps on significant religious occasions strengthens the bond between the university and the community and instils the values of service and compassion among students and staff alike.
The devotees visiting the Hazratbal Shrine expressed their appreciation for the arrangements made by the University of Kashmir, acknowledging the timely refreshments, medical assistance and overall management at the twin camps.
Among others, Controller of Examinations KU Prof Majid Zaman Baba, Chief Proctor KU Prof Imtiaz Ahmad Khan, Special Secretary to VC KU Dr Ashfaq Zarri, SP Hazratbal Hilal Khaliq Bhat, Coordinator Health Centre KU Dr Khalid Nazir and several other university officials were present on the occasion and actively participated in serving refreshments to the devotees.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has directed all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for Post Graduate students before allowing them to appear in examinations. The decision has been taken to curb absenteeism among postgraduate dental students. According to a circular issued by the Dental Council of India-a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the decision has been taken after multiple complaints were received from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding non-attendance of PG students. "The matter was examined by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2025," the circular reads. It reads that after detailed discussion and deliberation, the committee recommended that all universities and dental colleges must ensure compliance with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates at least 80 per cent attendance. "The recommendation of the Grievance Sub-Committee has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Dental Council of India through circulation and has now been formally communicated for information and necessary action," the circular reads. As per the circular, all the universities and dental colleges have been directed to ensure minimum 80 per cent biometric attendance of all PG students before permitting them to appear in examinations. The order, issued by Deputy Secretary Dental Council of India Mukesh Kumar, is expected to be implemented with immediate effect across the country.
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. “Hundreds 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,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” 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. “The 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,” 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 “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” 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. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Srinagar, March 6: Around 17 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have qualified the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2025, the result for which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. The commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and various central services. Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate, has topped the civil services examination 2025, while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull have got the second and third ranks respectively. According to the official list released by the UPSC the 17 candidates from J&K who have figured in the final merit list include Suvan Sharma (Rank 148), Sugandha Gupta (207), Towseef Ganie (Rank 254), Ritika (Rank 456), Sooyash Shivam (Rank 572), Muneeb Parrah (Rank 581), Ghulam Din (Rank 683), Dwarka Gaadhi (Rank 721), Akash (Rank 747), Koh E Safa (Rank 763), Yasaar (Rank 811), Abhishek (Rank 820), Pankaj (Rank 856), Mohammad Ajaz (Rank 869), Azhar (Rank 886), Sarfraz (Rank 936), and Irfan (Rank 957). The results were declared after conducting the written examination in August 2025 followed by the personality tests (interviews) conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. As per the result notification issue by the UPSC, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1087 vacancies reported by the government for the examination cycle. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group A and 195 in Group B services. Of the total recommended candidates, 317 are from the general category, 104 from the economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. A consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates has also been published in accordance with the rules. The claims of recommended candidates regarding reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The UPSC has stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the result of the two candidates has been kept withheld. The CSE is conducted annually in three stages- preliminary, Mains and interview by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The civil services (preliminary) examination 2025 was conducted on May 25 of 2025. A total of 937876 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,76,793 actually appeared in the test. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for appearance in the written (Main) examination which was held in August, 2025. Of these, 2736 candidates had qualified for the personality test (interview) of the examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the candidates who qualified the UPSC exam. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," PM Modi wrote on his official X handle. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," his post on X reads. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar announced the declaration of the result and congratulated the candidates who qualified the exam. "Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead," UPSC Chairman wrote in a post on X. Among the 17 candidates from J&K who qualified UPSC exam inlcude a visually impaired candidate Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora.
Baramulla, Oct 14: In a sustained drive against drug-related activities, Baramulla Police arrested three persons and recovered approximately 16 grams of a heroin-like substance during patrolling and checking at Gulnar Park, Azadgunj, Baramulla. Police in an official handout said that during the checking, three individuals attempted to flee on noticing the police party but were apprehended by alert police personnel. They have been identified as Faizan Majeed Teli @ Gunga, son of Abdul Majeed Teli, resident of Banglow Bagh, Old Town, Baramulla, Aqib Ahmad Gojree son of Ghulam Mohammad Gojree resident of Gulnar Park, Baramulla and Sahil Bashir Karnayi son of Bashir Ahmad Karnayi, resident of Gousia Colony, Azadgunj, Baramulla. "During personal searches, 06 grams of heroin-like substance were recovered from Faizan Majeed Teli, 05 grams from Aqib Ahmad Gojree and 05 grams from Sahil Bashir Karnayi. Additionally, 03 syringes and 07 lighters were recovered from the spot," the handout reads. The handout reads that an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses were called to the spot, and all requisite legal formalities were completed. "Accordingly, FIR No. 167/2026 under Sections 8/21–29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Baramulla, and further investigation has been initiated," it reads. Subsequently, all three accused have been taken to the hospital for medical examination. "The tests for narcotic substance use returned positive for two accused, while the test result of the third is awaited. All three have been arrested in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure and are presently in police custody," the handout reads. Baramulla Police have reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse and urges the public to cooperate with the police in identifying and reporting drug-related activities.
Baramulla, Oct 11: Baramulla Police organised a day-long programme on drug abuse and gender sensitisation at Murtaza Memorial Educational Institute. The programme was organised as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through Police Station Chandoosa and the event aimed at educating students about the adverse consequences of drug abuse and promoting gender equality, mutual respect and social responsibility. During the programme, students were sensitised about the harmful impact of substance abuse on individuals and society, importance of gender-sensitive behaviour, and the role of youth in building a safe, inclusive and drug-free society. A debate competition was also organised to encourage critical thinking and active participation. Certificates and medals were awarded to participants in recognition of their performance. "The initiative reflects Baramulla Police’s continued commitment to youth engagement, preventive awareness and community partnership in addressing social challenges and fostering responsible citizenship," an official handout, released by Baramulla Police reads
Bandipora, Oct 9: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, Friday chaired a comprehensive meeting to review winter preparedness for Gurez and Tulail at Dak Bungalow, Badugam, Tulail, with concerned district and sectoral officers. The meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted essential services, timely snow clearance, road connectivity, availability of essential commodities and adequate healthcare arrangements in the snowbound areas ahead of the winter season. Reviewing the status of roads, bridges and ongoing infrastructure projects, the DC sought details from the concerned engineering departments, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and PMGSY. She directed the officers to expedite pending works, resolve bottlenecks and road alignment issues, and adhere to strict timelines to ensure completion of critical projects before heavy snowfall. The DC stressed the need for advance planning and effective coordination among BRO, Roads and Buildings (R&B) and Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) for timely snow clearance. She directed the concerned departments to submit road-wise snow clearance plans to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurez, and ensure the availability of adequate machinery, equipment and manpower, with priority to main roads and vital link roads. On the occasion, SDM Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad highlighted the requirement for snow clearance machinery at Razdan Top and Kanzalwan, particularly for clearing the Z-Khushi curve and Rane Mode. The issue regarding mechanised snow clearance of the Dawar helipad was also discussed. The DC directed the Executive Engineers of PWD and MED to formulate a coordinated plan to ensure timely clearance of the helipad for emergency requirements. The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the deployment and monitoring of emergency vehicles, including GPS-based tracking, and the availability of adequate fuel and other essential resources to ensure an effective response during snowfall and emergencies. Reviewing the preparedness of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department, the DC took stock of ration distribution and the advance stocking of essential commodities in Gurez and Tulail before the onset of winter. The availability of LPG cylinders across the subdivisions was also reviewed, with directions to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted distribution. The DC further reviewed the healthcare preparedness including the stocking of medicines and other essential medical supplies, availability of staff and arrangements for providing healthcare services during winter. The Chief Medical Officer, Bandipora, informed the meeting that pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy had been identified for their timely relocation to the district headquarters, as per the established schedule, to facilitate safe deliveries and ensure access to necessary medical care. The preparedness of the Power Development Department was also reviewed. The Executive Engineer, KPDCL Bandipora, apprised the DC of the department's winter action plan, including the routine operation of generator sets to support power availability. Arrangements of the Jal Shakti Department for uninterrupted water supply were also discussed. The DC additionally reviewed winter preparedness measures of the Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Education and Social Welfare sectors, including Anganwadi services, and stressed the need for advance planning to minimise inconvenience to residents during the harsh winter months. Emphasising the strategic importance of advance preparedness in Gurez and Tulail areas, the DC directed all departments to remain vigilant, strengthen interdepartmental coordination and ensure that men, machinery and essential supplies are positioned well in advance to meet any eventuality during the forthcoming winter. Among others, the meeting was attended by ACD Bandipora, OC BRO Gurez, Chief Education Officer Bandipora, District Information Officer Bandipora and Executive Engineers of PHE Hydraulic Division Gurez, PMGSY Bandipora, R&B Division Gurez, PDD Division Bandipora, besides AD Handicrafts/Handloom Bandipora.
