Srinagar : The IEEE 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Technology for Energy and Power Systems (STEPS 2026) was on Friday inaugurated by the Department of Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, aiming to unite academicians, researchers, and professionals in the power sector to discuss advancements in sustainable energy technologies.

The conference, themed “A Step Towards Green, Clean and Reliable Energy,” is designed to promote research, innovation, and collaboration in sustainable energy and modern power systems over its three-day duration. During the inaugural session, Prof. Shameem Ahmad Lone, the Conference Chair, emphasized the significance of academic collaboration in tackling challenges within energy and power systems. Prof. Mairaj ud Din Mufti, Head of the Department, reiterated the department’s dedication to research and innovation pertinent to the evolving energy landscape. Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Dean of Research & Consultancy, highlighted the critical role of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar energy and battery technology, in advancing energy sustainability. Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, stressed the necessity of research and technological progress in developing sustainable energy systems and acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Bhim Singh, who served as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Singh delivered a keynote address on the transformative impact of power electronics in the renewable energy sector, discussing how technological advancements are reshaping the integration of renewable energy sources. The conference also featured insights from Mr. Shurjeel Ghani Lalla, Secretary Technical of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department, and Mrs. Aaquib Waheed Deva, Chief Engineer of KPTCL, who shared their perspectives on solar energy initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Their engagement with students and researchers facilitated a connection between academic research and practical challenges in the power sector. STEPS 2026 serves as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas among researchers, academicians, students, and industry professionals, focusing on sustainable energy, power electronics, and modern power systems. The conference, which runs until October 25, includes keynote addresses, technical sessions, and research presentations aimed at addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in sustainable energy and power engineering.

The award will be presented at the 1st International Maize Conference-2026 in Hyderabad from November 2 to 4. Dr. Dar’s research has led to the development of 38 maize varieties that are cultivated over 80,000 hectares in India, demonstrating the substantial impact of his work on agricultural productivity. His focus on creating high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritionally enhanced maize varieties addresses critical agricultural challenges and bolsters food and nutritional security. With over 300 research papers published in various journals, he has also played a vital role in externally funded research projects and the registration of maize germplasm with the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). Additionally, he has mentored maize research programs under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) across multiple states and has served on the editorial boards of 12 scientific journals. In expressing his gratitude for this recognition, Dr. Dar acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues, students, and the administration at SKUAST-K, particularly the Vice-Chancellor. This award not only highlights Dr. Dar’s individual achievements but also underscores SKUAST-K’s contributions to advancing maize research and developing improved varieties suited to various agro-climatic conditions in India.

Poonch :District Development Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma Thursday  inspected Government Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital to assess its overall functioning and review the availability and delivery of healthcare services to the public.

Chief Medical Officer Dr.Parvaiz Ahmed Khan briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the functioning of various sections and departments of the hospital.

The DDC reviewed key operational arrangements and stressed the need for maintaining discipline, proper management of hospital premises and strict adherence to established procedures to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.

He inquired about ambulance availability and parking arrangements within the hospital premises. Taking serious note of private vehicles parked in the Hospital premises, the District Development Commissioner directed for immediate removal. He instructed the hospital administration to ensure that no vehicle obstructs the casualty entrance or other access points required for ambulances and emergency medical services.

The Medical Superintendent was further directed to issue official vehicle passes or identification tags to staff members for authorised parking. The measure is intended to regulate vehicle movement, prevent unauthorised parking and maintain a congestion-free environment within the hospital premises.

The District Development Commissioner directed the hospital administration to further strengthen healthcare facilities and ensure that patients receive timely, efficient and quality medical services. He stressed the importance of maintaining proper coordination among departments, improving operational efficiency and ensuring that hospital services function smoothly. He called for strict compliance with standard operating procedures across all departments and underscored the need for regular monitoring of hospital operations

The inspection also highlighted the importance of maintaining an organised hospital environment, particularly in areas associated with emergency treatment, patient movement and ambulance services.

Agricultural land is increasingly being sold to meet expenses such as house construction, vehicle purchases and marriages, while the conversion of paddy fields into horticultural land without assessing long-term consequences has also emerged as a concern.

The issue has drawn attention to the need for sustainable land management, with concerns that the loss of fertile farmland could affect agricultural production and the livelihood opportunities available to future generations.

The government has been urged to enforce existing regulations, prevent illegal conversion of agricultural land and introduce measures to discourage distress sales by farmers facing financial pressures.

There have also been calls for greater awareness among farmers about the long-term value of productive land and for better income opportunities to reduce the need to sell farmland to meet immediate expenses.

With technological changes, including the growing use of artificial intelligence, reshaping employment opportunities, agriculture remains an important source of livelihood and food security.

Protecting agricultural land has been described as essential to preserving Kashmir’s natural resources and ensuring that future generations have access to fertile soil and sustainable livelihoods.

The programme was organised by the officials of the Agriculture Department of respective Zones to recognise the significant contribution of women to the agricultural sector and rural economy. The events were held under the directions of Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta and the supervision of Chief Agriculture Officer Harbans Singh.

During the programme, women farmers were encouraged to actively participate in agricultural activities and adopt improved farming practices to enhance productivity and increase their income. The programme highlighted the vital role played by women in farming, including crop cultivation, post-harvest management, livestock care and other allied agricultural activities.

The participating women farmers were sensitised to the importance of modern agricultural techniques, scientific farming methods, efficient utilisation of available resources and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme also emphasised the need to strengthen women’s participation in agricultural decision-making and promote their economic empowerment through agriculture and allied sectors.

The celebration provided an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of women farmers, who contribute significantly to food security and the overall development of rural communities. The Department of Agriculture reiterated its commitment to supporting women farmers through awareness programmes, technical guidance and the dissemination of information about various departmental schemes and agricultural initiatives.

The programme concluded with a renewed emphasis on empowering women farmers, improving agricultural livelihoods and promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the district

Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education and Health & Medical Education SakeenaItoo on Wednesday said parents must have the freedom to purchase school textbooks from any bookseller of their choice, warning private educational institutions against forcing them to buy books from specific shops.

Talking to reporters, Itoo said no private school should direct parents to purchase textbooks from a particular bookseller, stressing that the decision must rest entirely with the parents.

On private schools prescribing additional books apart from NCERT textbooks, the minister said such books could be allowed if they enhance students’ knowledge and provide educational benefits.

She said around 85 per cent of the syllabi were similar, adding that additional books should not be prescribed merely for financial gains or imposed on students without considering their educational needs and interests. “If books are imposed simply to collect money, without any benefit to students, such practices will be scrutinised,” she said.

Itoo said the government had decided to constitute a committee comprising representatives of parent associations, private school associations, NGOs, intellectuals and government officers to examine the issue and look into complaints regarding the purchase of schoolbooks. She said appropriate action would be taken if any complaint was found to be valid.

Responding to a question about complaints regarding the alleged absence of medical staff at Sheikhpora Primary Health Centre (PHC), following the death of a woman, Itoo said the complaint had been received and was being examined.

She said strict action would be taken if it was established that the woman’s death occurred due to medical negligence or failure to provide timely treatment.

The minister added that the government had taken action against doctors in similar cases in the past and would continue to act against those found responsible.

In here address to a well attended gathering Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, emphasized the crucial role birds play in our ecological system. She pointed out that the alarming decline in bird populations in various regions calls for heightened awareness and collective action. Prof. Khan urged the importance of inspiring young people to cultivate a deeper appreciation for nature and environmental conservation. “Safeguarding our birds and their habitats is key to maintaining ecological balance, and we must motivate our younger generations to actively participate in preserving our natural heritage,” she stated. Dr. Asad Rahmani shared insights into the inspiration behind his book and the significance of documenting shifts in birdlife. He stressed the importance of understanding the factors influencing bird populations and called for increased public involvement in conservation initiatives. He also underscored the critical roles of research, education, and community engagement in the protection of birds and their environments. In his opening remarks, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad, Dean of the School of Biological Sciences at KU, highlighted how the book sheds light on the changes in bird populations and the challenges their habitats face. Earlier in the event, Dr. Ashfaq Zarri, Special Secretary to the VC and Joint Registrar at KU, introduced the author and shared insights into his professional journey and contributions to ornithology and bird conservation. The book launch was well-attended, with notable figures including Dean of Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean of Research KU, Prof. Bashir Ganaie, Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, and Controller of Examinations KU, Prof. Majid Za.

Officials said the visit aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical learning through first-hand exposure to the IT industry. Students explored various technical domains, including networking, cybersecurity, data centers, software development cells, and hardware and drone labs, guided by Director NIELIT Ashaq Hussain Dar and school faculty members.

The meeting focused on reviewing the functioning of various wings, assessing ongoing developmental works, strengthening sanitation and cleanliness mechanisms, improving public grievance redressal and identifying priority areas requiring immediate attention.

Taking a thorough look at the Corporation’s activities, the Commissioner reviewed the responsibilities of various departments, the status of ongoing projects, operational hurdles, and how services are being delivered. He made it clear that the well-being of citizens, efficient civic services, and accountable governance should always be at the heart of SMC’s operations. Dr. Basharat Qayoom emphasized the importance of a proactive and timely approach to addressing public grievances, urging officers to make sure that complaints received through different channels are handled swiftly and followed up until they’re fully resolved. He highlighted that citizens should see real improvements in municipal services, focusing on responsiveness, transparency, and accountability. Pointing out the critical role of sanitation and cleanliness in upholding the city’s civic standards, the Commissioner called for better coordination among the relevant departments to ensure effective sanitation efforts, enhanced waste management, and ongoing cleanliness throughout Srinagar. He stressed that monitoring on the ground and timely interventions are key to tackling sanitation issues and keeping public spaces in good shape. The Commissioner also highlighted the necessity of closely monitoring development projects, sticking to set timelines, and making the best use of available resources. He urged officers to pinpoint any bottlenecks, speed up pending projects, and ensure that development efforts lead to visible and meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives. Stressing the need for coordinated efforts across departments, Dr. Basharat Qayoom directed all teams to work closely together, strengthen internal monitoring systems, and adopt a results-driven approach to municipal administration. He insisted that accountability should be evident in measurable results, timely service delivery, and effective resolution of public issues.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Police said the vehicles were found actively extracting and transporting mineral materials without valid permits in violation of prescribed rules. Cases under relevant sections of the law have been registered at the respective police stations, and further investigations are underway.