Qazigund, Jan 8: Kulgam police on Thursday intensified checking and frisking operations along Jmu-Sgr NH44 in Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district ahead of Republic day celebration to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. An official said that the frisking drive was led by Station House Officer (SHO) Qazigund, Syed Nazir Indrabi, under the supervision of the ASP Highway and SDPO Qazigund, following the directions of SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary. “Close vigil is being kept on the overall situation in the district, senior Police officers are personally monitoring the security situation in the district to ensure a safe and secure environment for the celebrations”, he added. (KNC)

'I have complete faith in our Youth’s potential, their resolve to shape a developed India' Jammu, Jan 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday, virtually, flagged off a 53-member Youth Contingent from UT of Jammu Kashmir for New Delhi to participate in the 29th National Youth Festival-Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue-2026. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on 12th January, the National Youth Festival (NYF) dedicated to youth empowerment and unity for the youth is organised annually. In the year 2025, the National Youth Festival was restructured as Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue to align with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.  The contingent selected for the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track and Cultural/Innovation Track will represent J&K at the prestigious national event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 10th to 12th January 2026. Interacting with the participating youth through virtual mode, the Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes for the prestigious event. He congratulated the participants for emerging from local competitions to reach the national stage, noting that their journey reflects the immense potential inherent in the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. “Youth is not a matter about age. It is the mindset. It is about courage, curiosity, and the power to bring about change. I have complete faith in our Youth’s potential and their resolve to shape a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said. Invoking Swami Vivekananda’s iconic clarion call, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” the Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to make their dreams the sole purpose of their lives and to consider every challenge on the way as a lesson in discipline and patience. He emphasized that true leadership is defined not by personal achievements, but by the ability to create opportunities for others. “Your greatest responsibility is towards society and the nation. True progress is about creating opportunities for others to move forward. Develop future capabilities, focus on character building and embrace lifelong learning. Be bold, be fearless, think beyond boundaries. Your courage, discipline, clarity, and determination, combined with the experience will be your guide in this journey toward Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor told the Youth. Commissioner Secretary to Government Youth Services and Sports Yasha Mudgal, Director General Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta, senior officials, participating youth and officials accompanying the Contingent were present.

New Delhi, Jan 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India's "Reform Express" continues to gain momentum, as official figures showed that real GDP has been estimated to grow by 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26 against the growth rate of 6.5 per cent during FY 2024-25. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), nominal GDP is estimated to grow at 8.0 per cent in FY2025-26. In an X post, PM Modi said: "This is powered by the NDA Government’s comprehensive investment push and demand-led policies". "Be it infrastructure, manufacturing incentives, digital public goods or ‘Ease of Doing Business’, we are working to realise our dream of a prosperous India", the Prime Minister emphasised. The buoyant growth in the services sector has been found to be a major driver with a robust growth of 9.9 per cent at constant prices in FY 2025-26 for financial services, real estate, professional services, and public administration. Trade, hotels, transport, and communication & services related to the broadcasting sector have been estimated to grow by 7.5 per cent, the official statement said. Manufacturing and construction in the secondary sector have been estimated to achieve a growth rate of 7 per cent, while the agriculture sector growth rate is estimated at 3.1 per cent. Real Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) has been estimated to attain a growth rate of 7 per cent during FY 2025-26, backed by the income tax exemptions announced in the Budget for 20205-26 and subsequent GST rate cuts across goods and services. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) has been estimated to have a 7.8 per cent growth rate at Constant Prices during FY 2025-26, compared to a 7.1 per cent growth rate in the previous FY. India’s GDP growth had accelerated to a robust 8.2 per cent in the second quarter (July-September) of the current financial year compared to the corresponding figure of 5.6 per cent during the same quarter of FY 2024-25, according to figures released in November. (IANS)

Urges govt to ensure employment before acquiring land for projects in Kashmir Srinagar, Jan 7: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of remaining silent on issues that directly affect common people, particularly land acquisition and the concerns of orchardists. Speaking on the death anniversary of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Bijbhehara, Mehbooba Mufti said that instead of solving public issues, Omar Abdullah is busy speaking only against the PDP. “He has an absolute majority, and his party has members in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, yet he chooses silence on issues that hurt the poor,” she said. She further claimed that Omar Abdullah does not understand the emotional and economic value of orchards and land that belongs to ordinary Kashmiris. “He doesn’t know what an orchard or a piece of land means to a poor family. That is why he is mute on these issues and refuses to speak for the people whose livelihoods are at stake,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti also said that the unemployment rate and alienation among the people of J&K has reached a level that a doctor from Pulwama killed himself and some innocents in Delhi, yet Omar Abdullah government is silent on burning issues in J&K. She also urged the government to prioritise employment for local youth before acquiring land for railway and other major infrastructure projects in Kashmir, saying development cannot come at the cost of people’s livelihoods and dignity. She said that land is the only source of survival for thousands of families in Kashmir, especially orchardists and small farmers, and any decision to take land must be accompanied by concrete assurances of jobs and rehabilitation for affected locals. “Before taking even an inch of land for a railway or any other project, the government must ensure that all unemployed youth and every affected family get jobs. Land here is not just property; it is a livelihood, identity and a survival for poor families,” she said. (KNO)

KS News Desk Srinagar, Jan 7: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that growing depression and frustration among youth is pushing them towards taking the wrong steps. She said this while referring to the recent Red Fort blast incident. Mehbooba Mufti while speaking at a function marking the 10th death anniversary of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said the younger generation is grappling with uncertainty and lack of opportunities, which is having serious social consequences. Overcome with emotion during her address, Mehbooba Mufti broke down while remembering her father, describing him as a statesman who believed in peace, courage and people-centric politics. “On the 10th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Sahab, we honour a leader whose legacy of reconciliation, courage and commitment to the people continues to inspire us,” she said. She reiterated the need to address the concerns of youth and restore hope, stating that only meaningful engagement and inclusive politics can prevent alienation. (KNC)

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.

Inaugurates newly constructed first floor, Examination Hall at Model Waqf School Chrar-e-Sharief  KS News Desk Srinagar, Jan 6: Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Syed Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, (Minister of State) Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed first floor and Examination Hall at Model Waqf School Chrar-e-Sharief at an impressive function held in the school complex. The work on this infrastructural extension project started last year and it was completed within a very short span of time as per the approved standards. Waqf Board officials and eminent citizens of the town were present on the occasion. Dr Darakhshan addressed the gathering on the occasion and gave details about the infrastructural development by the Waqf Board during the past three years at Chrar-e-Sharief. She said that the land of Nooruddin Noorani (RA) is the spiritual power centre of Kashmir and this place has great significance in the spiritual landscape of our country. Dr Andrabi said that soon Smart Classes will start in all educational institutions of Waqf Board throughout the UT. She said that the Waqf Board was the first to introduce National Educational Policy in the educational institutions of the Board. "Huge transformation at the shrine of Alamdar has got great public endorsement and the infrastructural initiatives continue at enormous speed. 2026 will be a historic infrastructural boost in the Waqf Board throughout Jammu and Kashmir," said Dr Darakhshan Andrabi. Waqf Chairperson paid obeisance at the shrine of Nund Reshi and took stock of the ongoing projects. Eminent personalities present on the occasion included Haji Younis, Imam Kheeb Molvi Ameer-ud-din, writer Inayat Gul, Regional Director MANNU Srinagar Dr Aijaz Ashraf, Executive Magistrate Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin & Executive Engineer Qazi Mushtaq Ahmad and others.