Srinagar: From education reforms and industrial development to heritage conservation, border security and the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, this week witnessed several significant developments across Jammu and Kashmir. K H Snippets brings you a quick roundup of the week’s top stories that shaped headlines across the Union Territory. Stay informed with these key updates in just a few minutes.
1. LG Launches ‘Design Your Degree’ Prog At CU Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the innovative “Design Your Degree” programme at Cluster University Jammu, allowing students to customise their academic pathways through multidisciplinary learning. He also launched integrated science programmes, a Semiconductor Skilling Programme with IIT Madras, a Department of Vedic Studies, and postgraduate courses in Environmental Sciences, Dogri Translation, and Indian Knowledge Systems. The LG said the initiatives would prepare students for future challenges by combining scientific excellence with India’s civilisational knowledge.
2. Omar Reviews Cricket Bat Industry, Assures Support To Manufacturers: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Hallamulla Industrial Estate in Anantnag and assured cricket bat manufacturers that the government would address key issues, including sustainable willow plantations, uninterrupted power supply and workers’ welfare. He said decisions had been taken to ensure a steady supply of raw material and improve infrastructure, including establishing a first-aid centre. The Chief Minister also reviewed the Common Facility Centre and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Kashmir’s iconic cricket bat industry.
3. Over 4.47 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Amarnath Shrine; Smallest Batch Leaves Jammu: The 22nd batch of 1,605 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Friday for the annual Amarnath Yatra under multi-tier security arrangements, making it the smallest batch so far this year. More than 4.47 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the pilgrimage began on July 3. The Yatra, which resumes after a six-day weather suspension last week, will conclude on August 28.
4. J&K Approves ₹13.75 Crore For Purmandal, Imambara Zadibal Conservation: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned ₹13.75 crore for two major heritage conservation projects. A ₹7.16 crore project will restore the historic Purmandal shrine complex in Samba, while ₹6.59 crore has been approved for the conservation and infrastructure upgradation of the historic ImambaraZadibal in Srinagar. The projects aim to preserve the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage while improving facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
5. Army Shoots Down Pakistani Spy Drone Along LoC In Jammu: Alert Army troops shot down a Pakistani surveillance drone after it crossed the Line of Control in the Khour sector of Jammu district. The Chinese-made quadcopter, equipped with a high-resolution camera, reportedly carried a memory chip containing footage of Indian Army installations. Preliminary investigations suggest the drone was being remotely operated from across the border for reconnaissance. Security agencies have intensified surveillance along the LoC to counter infiltration and espionage attempts.
