Kupwara : Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Thusrday visited the far-flung area of Moorie in Kalaroose of Lolab Sub-Division to take stock of the developmental issues and problems being faced by the people of the area. The Advisor was accompanied by SE R&B Circle Kupwara, ACD Kupwara, ACP Kupwara and other officers of the concerned departments.

During the visit, the Advisor visited Sona Pend village in Moorie, where several residential houses and a mosque were damaged in a recent cloudburst.

Interacting with the affected residents, the Advisor said that the government has announced special assistance for restoration and rehabilitation of the affected families and infrastructure.

During his day-long tour, the Advisor also inspected the identified land near Lastiyal Bridge in KasbaKalaroose, proposed for establishment of a Sports Stadium. He directed the Executive Engineer, Sports Council Srinagar, to initiate the construction work within a week positively.

Nasir Aslam also interacted with various public delegations from Moorie, who apprised him of their day-to-day developmental issues, including road connectivity, water supply, ration and other basic amenities. He assured them that their genuine issues would be taken up with the concerned departments for timely redress.

On the occasion, the Advisor directed the concerned officers to accord top priority to the issues of the far-flung and hard-to-reach areas. He asked them for ensuring execution of developmental works on war footing, particularly in view of the approaching winter season.

Nasir Aslam undertook a detailed tour of various villages and hamlets, including Sona Pend Gali, Narizeb, Ladah, Kothiyan, Nagsri, ThayanGujran, Moorie and adjoining areas. He took stock of the developmental requirements of the local population.

Earlier, the Advisor chaired a meeting of concerned officers at Sogam and sought detailed feedback regarding the progress of ongoing developmental works and the major issues requiring immediate attention.

ACD Kupwara, ACP Kupwara, AD Food, Executive Engineer Sports Council and other senior officers and representatives of various departments attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occassion Speaker assured the community that their legitimate demands would be addressed with the relevant departments in a systematic and timely manner. He highlighted the importance of regular public engagement to ensure that development efforts align with the actual needs of the populace and emphasized the necessity of public participation for sustainable development. The Speaker also visited the Government Higher Secondary School in HarduDalwan, where he evaluated the institution’s facilities and needs. During this visit, students showcased their talents through a cultural program, and the school management expressed the need for additional desks, benches, and smart-class facilities to improve the learning environment. In response, the Speaker committed to securing the necessary funds to meet these requirements, underscoring the significance of quality education in empowering youth and encouraging them to contribute to their communities. Additionally, the Speaker inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 2.5 crore aimed at enhancing road infrastructure within the constituency. These projects included the macadamization of a 1.5-kilometer PMGSY road in Ahangar Mohalla and a one-kilometer road in Kakawring. He articulated that robust road connectivity is essential for socio-economic development, particularly in rural and hilly regions, as it facilitates access to education, healthcare, and markets. The Speaker reaffirmed that improving road infrastructure remains a top government priority, with ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and ensure safer movement for residents.

In a statement issued here on Thursday the ANTF said that belonging to accused Iftikhar Ahmad, currently booked under the NDPS Act and Section 61 BNS, the property was frozen under Sections 68-E and 68-F of the NDPS Act. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding society and the youth from drug abuse, ANTF Kashmir emphasized that proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking will be relentlessly pursued under the law. The  task force also appealed for public cooperation, stressing that active community participation remains vital to effectively eradicating the drug menace.

The initiative, titled “Future-Ready Livestock Farming,” was organized by the Division of Livestock Production and Management at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry. The program focused on equipping participants with advanced knowledge and technology-driven approaches tailored to the region’s unique agro-climatic challenges. During the valedictory function, Prof. Riaz Ahmad Shah, Dean of the Faculty, commended the Division’s efforts and underscored the necessity of ongoing professional development for field-level veterinary officers. Prof. Hilal Musadiq Khan, Head of the Division, noted that the training was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary livestock production and management practices. Additionally, Prof. Masood Saleem Mir emphasized the importance of translating scientific innovations into practical applications in the field, while Prof. M. T. Banday highlighted the need for integrating scientific knowledge with local practices to tackle emerging challenges in livestock farming. Prof. I. U. Sheikh expressed optimism that the skills and knowledge gained during the program would lead to practical improvements in livestock farming in Ladakh, making it more productive and sustainable. The program concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participating veterinary officers, with Dr. Henna Hamadani overseeing the proceedings. Other faculty members, including Dr. Raoof Ahmad Pattoo and Dr. Sheikh Adil, also attended the event.

The workshop underscored the dual benefits of agrivoltaic systems, which allow for simultaneous crop production and renewable energy generation, thereby promoting efficient resource use, diversifying farm income, and fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices. The event began with an introduction by Dr. Faiqa Syeed, followed by insights from Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, who highlighted agrivoltaics as a sustainable solution to meet rising energy demands and address climate variability while providing additional income streams for farmers. The technical session led by Sheikh Madiha Syed covered essential topics such as solar panel configurations, crop selection, microclimate management, and the economic advantages of agrivoltaic systems. Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi further elaborated on the potential of agrivoltaics in enhancing high-density apple cultivation through improved resource management. Additionally, Dr. Faiqa Syeed discussed the innovative use of solar arrays over open-water aquaculture sites. The workshop included an interactive session that allowed participants to engage with experts and explore the practical and technical dimensions of agrivoltaic systems. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Farooq Ahanger, reinforcing the collaborative effort to advance sustainable agricultural practices through innovative technologies.

The session offered students critical insights into the hospitality and tourism sectors, focusing on emerging career opportunities, necessary professional competencies, and the importance of guest relations. Mr. Nazir shared his extensive professional experience, emphasizing the industry’s expectations and the need for students to approach their careers with professionalism, adaptability, and a dedication to service excellence. The event effectively connected academic knowledge with practical industry applications, reinforcing the University’s commitment to experiential learning, industry collaboration, and the comprehensive professional development of its students.

Tral :Our Silent Pain, a book by SaimohTral-based private-school teacher SarbjeetKour, has been released and is now available on Amazon.

The book explores the emotional journey of a daughter coping with the loss of her mother, while reflecting on love, grief, memories and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter.

Through its chapters, Kour portrays the pain and emotions that follow the loss of a loved one, while also highlighting cherished memories and the inner strength that helps one navigate grief.

Our Silent Pain captures feelings that often remain unspoken and seeks to remind readers of the enduring value of a mother’s love and the memories shared with her.

The book is aimed at readers who connect with emotional and reflective literature centred on love, loss and human relationships.

During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns related to the welfare, working conditions and career progression of women employees, particularly those associated with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Health Departments.

The delegation also highlighted the issue of stagnation among ICDS Supervisors and sought timely intervention to address their long-pending service and promotion-related concerns.

The delegation requested the Minister to consider a clear mechanism for resolving the issues and ensuring career progression for affected employees.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured the members that the issues raised would be given due consideration.

The FDA has issued a communication to the Directors of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations that ensure the provision of safe, hygienic, and nutritionally balanced food in educational institutions. Regulation 3(5) explicitly prohibits the sale of junk foods, defined as those high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar, or sodium, within school premises. Additionally, Regulation 5(1) restricts the advertisement and sale of such food products within a 50-meter radius of school gates. Furthermore, Regulation 3(1) mandates that any food service on school campuses, whether by the School Authority or Food Business Operators, must be registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and comply with established sanitary practices. The regulations also emphasize the necessity of designated meal times to promote healthy eating habits and require the provision of free safe drinking water to all students. The School Authority, defined as the head of the institution and its governing body, is responsible for regular inspections of food premises to ensure compliance with these standards. The authority may also appoint a Health and Wellness Ambassador or establish a Health and Wellness Team to oversee the availability of safe food. The FDA has urged the School Education Department and relevant School Authorities to enforce these regulations rigorously in both government and private schools throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

Pulwama : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Tuesday emphasized the significance of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 as a vital tool for enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of tribal communities.

Addressing a Tribal Convention in Pulwama the Minister underscored the necessity of effective implementation of the Act to empower forest-dwelling tribes, protect their rights, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The convention aimed to raise awareness about the FRA’s provisions and foster community participation in its execution, with discussions focusing on rights, claims processes, and the roles of local governance bodies. Attendees raised various development demands, including the need for improved water filtration systems, healthcare, education, and road infrastructure. In response, the Minister assured a commitment to enhancing basic infrastructure and public services, particularly in drinking water supply and healthcare. He announced a budget of ₹2.75 crore for upgrading water filtration plants and directed the Soil Conservation Department to prepare a project report for soil conservation efforts in Sangerwani. Rana highlighted the FRA’s role in recognizing the rights of Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, advocating for sustained awareness and outreach to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are informed of their rights. He called for a balanced approach that promotes community empowerment alongside sustainable forest conservation. The Minister stressed the importance of regular awareness programs and community consultations to facilitate participation in the implementation of the Act, ensuring that recognition of forest rights aligns with government initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and access to essential services for tribal communities.