Industrial Estate to boost infrastructure, create jobs in J&K: CM

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded Administrative Approval for the development of a new Industrial Estate at Barsoo in Ganderbal district at an estimated cost of ₹17.24 crore.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the project marks a significant step towards strengthening industrial infrastructure and creating new employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The proposed Industrial Estate, equipped with modern infrastructure and essential facilities, is expected to provide fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs, attract industrial investment, generate employment for local youth and contribute to sustainable industrial growth and economic development across Jammu and Kashmir.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the boy was hit by a dumper in Berigam area of Kulgam.

He said the child sustained serious injuries and was shifted to District Hospital Kulgam, where doctors declared him brought dead. He was later identified as Zeyan Zakir Dar (06), son of Zakir Dar and a resident of Berigam Devsar.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation.—(KNO)

From heritage to high-trust, advanced Lab powers faster authentication of Kashmir’s iconic Handicrafts

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 28: The Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, has recorded a sharp rise in the testing of Geographical Indication (GI) products, especially Kashmir Pashmina, Kani and Sozni embroidered shawls, during the current financial year.
The surge reflects stronger institutional capacity, upgraded laboratory infrastructure and growing demand for authentic GI certification and QR coding.
In a detailed press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir stated that the testing rate which was 40-45 per day in 2024-25, has now risen to 170 per day in 2026-27. “In 2024-25, PTQCC conducted 13,369 tests at an average of 40-45 tests per day. This rose to 22,351 tests in 2025-26, with the daily average increasing to 75-85 tests. In the current financial year, PTQCC has already performed approximately 21,000 tests. With another 21,000 tests projected between November 2026 and March 31, 2027, the annual total is expected to reach around 42,000 tests, nearly doubling the testing rate achieved in the previous year,” the spokesman explained.
To support this expansion, the spokesman further stated that Pashmina Laboratory has been strengthened with advanced equipment, including a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and two High-Resolution Digital Microscopes. “The Department is in the process of procuring another OFDA 2000 fibre analyser and an additional digital microscope during FY 2026-27 under CAPEX. These additions are expected to further accelerate testing, improve precision in fibre identification and quality assessment and meet the rising demand for GI testing and QR coding of certified products,” he said, adding that those GI Authorised Users who submit hand-spun, hand-woven Pashmina products with Sozni embroidery are being given preferential treatment.
In order to bring greater transparency in GI testing, certification and QR coding at PTQCC, the Department has developed an in-house Online Appointment Token Management System to further streamline the operations across all testing labs of the Department including IICT and QCD (Quality Control Division). “The web application has been developed by the Resource Cell of the department which shall be operational shortly on pilot basis,” he added.
The Directorate is in the process of augmenting additional manpower to operate the machines for which technical staff is being sent to Wool Research Association (WRA), Thane Maharashtra for technical training. “With trained manpower, we shall have more teams in place to conduct tests in PTQCC so that the rising demand for GI testing and QR coding post aggressive media campaign, by GI Authorised Users is met. “The enhanced testing capacity strengthens the authentication of Kashmir’s prized handicrafts, protects the interests of artisans and weavers and builds greater consumer and buyer confidence in genuine GI-tagged products,” the spokesman stated.
Faster and more reliable certification is particularly important for exports and premium domestic markets, where authenticity is a key differentiator for Kashmir Pashmina and related handicraft products, the spokesman concluded.

The accused is a habitual offender involved in case FIR No. 196/2026 and FIR No. 238/2026 of Police Station Pattan. During verification of the accused’s antecedents, his involvement in 13 previous FIRs registered at various Police Stations in Srinagar.

The accused has been dealt with in accordance with the procedure established by law. Further investigation in both cases is in progress to establish all relevant facts and examine other aspects of the offences.

J&K Police reiterates its commitment to taking firm and lawful action against theft and other criminal activities, ensuring the protection of public property and maintaining peace and security.

According to the advisory, the race will be held on routes from Lalit Ghat (Police Golf Course) to Nagbal Chowk via Foreshore Road, and from Lalit Ghat to Harwan via Shalimar.

In order to facilitate smooth movement of cyclists, Boulevard Road from Lalit Ghat to Harwan and Lalit Ghat to Pandach will remain closed for general traffic from 07:00 AM till conclusion of the event on October 29.

Traffic Police has advised motorists to adopt alternate routes.

Motorists coming from Harwan, New Theed side have been advised to adopt Burzahama via Chandpora – Tailbal – Zakoora – Malbagh – Illahibagh – 90 Feet Road and vice versa.

Motorists coming from Ganderbal / Nagbal side towards Lal Chowk have been advised to adopt 90 Feet Soura Road.

No traffic will be allowed from R.M Bagh Crossing towards Lalit except participants. No traffic will be allowed from Badyari towards Lalit Crossing, from Dalgate to Nishat via Badyari, and from Nishat to Lal Chowk.

People have been requested to avoid unnecessary movement on Boulevard Road from Lalit Ghat to Harwan via Shalimar and Lalit Ghat to Pandach via Zakoora particularly from 05:00 AM till conclusion of the event.

Medical emergencies and motorists going towards Srinagar Airport will be allowed to move via Foreshore-Dargah-Khanyar Road.

For assistance, citizens have been requested to contact Traffic Police City Srinagar.(GNS)

Jammu and Kashmir delivered an impressive performance, winning 22 medals across the two disciplines. In Taekwondo, held from October 22 to 26, the team secured 14 medals, including four gold, three silver and seven bronze. In Wushu, held from October 15 to 19, the team bagged eight medals, comprising one gold, two silver and five bronze.

The Chief Minister had inaugurated the 70th National School Games on October 15. The event brought together over 1,300 young athletes from 23 States and Union Territories, providing a platform for emerging sporting talent from across the country.

Congratulating the young champions, Omar Abdullah said their achievements reflected Jammu and Kashmir’s growing sporting potential and the dedication and hard work of its young athletes. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting sporting excellence across Jammu and Kashmir.

The 70th National School Games were organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI).

An official of MeT told GNSAs per forecast, weather will remain mainly dry on October 28.

A brief spell of light rain and light snow over higher reaches is expected at few places on October 29, while weather will remain generally dry on October 30 and 31.

From November 1 to 3, weather will remain partly cloudy, and from November 4 to 6, it will be partly cloudy with a brief spell of light rain at few places.(GNS)

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the duo was extracting sand when they fell into the river. He said their bodies remained in the water overnight and were recovered in the morning.

The deceased have been identified as Javid Ahmed Mir (28) and Mohammad Anees Malik (29), both residents of Dachanpara.

Meanwhile, cognisance of the incident has been taken and a probe has been initiated.—(KNO)

Officials told GNS that a truck bearing registration number PB08EF-7864 was on way when it hit a divider near Trishul Morh on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The driver of the truck, identified as Sucha Singh from Himachal Pradesh, died on the spot in the accident.

Police reached the spot and have taken cognizance of the incident.

Body of the deceased will be handed over to family after medico-legal formalities. (GNS)

In the jurisdiction of Police Station Tarzoo, the run was flagged off from Amargarh Crossing to Khushal Stadium. Around 200 participants across all age groups, including students from various schools and local citizens, participated with great enthusiasm.

Similarly, a “Run for Unity” event was also organized in the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai, which also witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and locals.

The objective of the run was to spread the message of unity, integrity and national brotherhood among the people and to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifices of our police martyrs.

At the conclusion of the events, prizes were distributed among the participants who secured first, second and third positions.

Sopore Police reiterated its commitment to fostering unity and strengthening police public relations.