During the meeting, a detailed review of the ongoing works, functionality of completed works, provision of water supplies in quality and quantity as per JJM norms, physical and financial progress of schemes and works  was conducted. It was informed that out of 221 sanctioned works, 141 have been completed as on date, while work on 80 works is ongoing.

DDC Kulgam directed the concerned officers  of executing departments to expedite the execution of the remaining works with special emphasis on the completion and commissioning of Rapid Sand Filtration Plants (RSFPs) and water supply schemes while targeting the 100% Har Ghar Jal certification in the district at the earliest.

The DDC also reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) of last meeting held on the scheme along with the status of mandatory compliances under JJM 2.0 and measures for the protection and strengthening of drinking water sources under JJM 2.0.

The meeting was attended by the Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Circle Anantnag/Kulgam; Chief Planning Officer Kulgam, Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti Kulgam and Qazigund, Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division Kulgam; Chief Agriculture Officer Kulgam, Executive Engineer, Ground Water Division, Srinagar; Nodal Officer, Jal Shakti Abhiyan; AEE  Kulgam and Qazigund; DPMU Kulgam team and chemists of Kulgam, Damhal, and Damhal laboratories.

Jammu : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Thursday  laid the foundation stones for the restoration of 93 water supply schemes across Jammu East and Nagrota constituencies, worth ₹11.29 crore, and a riverbank protection work on the Tawi near Government Degree College, Sidhra, worth ₹3.40 crore.

The floods in August-September 2025 caused significant damage to 93 water supply schemes, prompting the government to initiate restoration efforts under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Disaster Mitigation scheme, with an estimated budget of ₹11.29 crore. This initiative aims to repair the affected infrastructure and enhance the resilience of water supply systems to prevent future disruptions, thereby ensuring a reliable drinking water supply for impacted communities. Additionally, a foundation stone was laid for a ₹3.40 crore project focused on riverbank protection along the Tawi River near Government Degree College, Sidhra, also funded by the SASCI scheme. This project is designed to fortify the riverbank and safeguard surrounding areas from erosion and flood damage. Minister Rana emphasized the importance of proactive flood protection measures, stating that the focus is on strengthening vulnerable regions and restoring infrastructure to withstand future floods. During the inauguration of water supply schemes, Rana reiterated the government’s commitment to providing safe and reliable drinking water to every household, highlighting that the restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure is being pursued with urgency to alleviate the hardships faced by affected populations. He noted that the projects were identified following a thorough assessment of the flood damage in the respective constituencies. Rana instructed executing agencies to adhere to quality standards, ensure timely resource mobilization, and complete the projects within the designated timeframe to deliver benefits to the public promptly. He also called for regular monitoring and progress reviews to address any potential execution challenges. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing climate-resilient public infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, advocating for collaboration among administration, executing departments, and elected representatives to prioritize addressing grievances related to infrastructure damage and ensuring equitable development across localities.

The program witnessed participation from respectable citizens, civil society members, community representatives, youth, and other stakeholders from Bomai, Zaingeer, and adjoining areas. SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib, along with other officers of Police District Sopore, also attended.

During the interaction, participants raised issues concerning policing, public services, traffic, drugs, and other local matters. Officers heard the grievances and assured that genuine police-related issues would be addressed on priority, while non-police matters would be taken up with concerned authorities.

Addressing the gathering, DIG NKR Dr Vinod Kumar emphasized that Thana Diwas provides a platform for direct interaction, strengthening mutual trust and cooperation. He stressed the importance of accessible and responsive policing, with police stations functioning as institutions of public service.

Highlighting the role of community cooperation in maintaining peace, he urged citizens to share timely information regarding drug trafficking and suspicious activities, emphasizing the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society, and police in protecting youth from drugs.

SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib reiterated Sopore Police’s commitment to professional, fair, and responsive policing, encouraging people  to approach police freely with their concerns.

In a statement issued here on Friday Police said that during naka checking at Old Bus Stand Pulwama a naka party apprehended three suspects carrying polythene packets. During search, 286 grams of charas powder and 101.5 grams of a charas-like substance were recovered. The accused have been identified as Abrar Ahmad Yatoo, S/O  Gh Nabi Yatoo R/O  Sunchakoo, Pulwama; Owais Ahmad Baba, S/O Feroz Ahmad Baba R/O  Gulshanabad, Rajpora; and Mudasir Ahmad Dar S/O  Gh Nabi Dar R/O  Gulshanabad, Rajpora.

Similarly, during naka checking, a police party from Police Post Newa apprehended Arshid Ahmad Ganaie, S/O Bashir Ahmad Ganaie R/O  Chandgam, Pulwama, who was driving a Tata Ace Gold load carrier bearing registration No. JK13K-3132. During his search, 22 grams of charas was recovered, and the vehicle was seized under due legal procedure.

In Kulgam, a police party from Police Station Kulgam during naka checking at Amnoo apprehended a suspect identified as Ashfaq Ahmad Wani S/O  Bilal Ahmad Wani R/O  Mirhama, Kulgam. During checking, 1.450 Kg of a ganja-like contraband substance filled in a bag and cash amounting to Rs 3,000—pertaining to proceeds of narcotics—were recovered. He was arrested and shifted to the police station. Cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation has been initiated. In its statement Police reiterated its commitment to zero-tolerance against drug trafficking.

In a statement issued here on Thursday Police said that the said vehicles were found extracting and transporting mining material without valid authorization, in violation of prescribed norms. The vehicles were seized on the spot, and the matter was taken up with the concerned Geology & Mining Department, which subsequently imposed the requisite fines under relevant provisions of law.

In its statement Police reiterated its commitment to curb illegal mining activities and appealed people to cooperate with law enforcers in protecting natural resources.

Dr. Mudasir Ahmad, an Assistant Professor from the University of Kashmir participated as resource person, delivering an in-depth lecture on the principles and techniques of translation between Hindi and English. He emphasized the significance of accuracy, clarity, and context, noting that effective translation transcends mere word-for-word conversion and requires a deep understanding of meaning, intent, and cultural nuances.

The workshop included practical exercises and examples to illustrate common challenges faced in translation, fostering an interactive environment where participants could engage with Dr. Ahmad and seek clarifications. NIT Srinagar’s Director, Prof. Anurag Misra, underscored the importance of promoting Hindi in official communication, encouraging staff to participate in Rajbhasha activities to enhance effective communication and support the Official Language policy. Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of Rajbhasha initiatives in raising awareness about Hindi’s significance in daily official tasks. Dr. R.P. Shukla, the Hindi Adhikari at NIT Srinagar, noted that Hindi Pakhwada serves as a platform to boost the use of Hindi in official communication, helping employees gain confidence in using the language. He called for the effective implementation of the Official Languages Act, 1967, to promote Hindi in administrative functions. The workshop saw active participation from faculty, staff, and students, and was moderated by Dr. Sabzar Ahmad Battoo along with other coordinators from the Rajbhasha Cell.

The programme, modelled on Germany’s Dual Education system, combines financial support with industry-oriented learning aimed at helping students develop skills relevant to engineering, research and development and manufacturing careers.

The scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated academic merit but face financial constraints in pursuing their engineering education. The programme continues throughout the four years of graduation, with 50 per cent of the scholarships reserved for female students.

Students pursuing Mechanical or Production, Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation, Electronics and Telecommunication, and Computer Science or Information Technology programmes are eligible to apply.

Siemens said more than 2,300 students from 176 government engineering colleges across 28 states had been part of the scholarship programme as of 2026.

The event served as a dynamic platform for the youth of Kupwara district to demonstrate their talents and articulate their visions for the region’s development. Participants presented engaging skits that addressed various aspects of development in Kashmir, including healthcare, public health awareness, drug abuse prevention, infrastructure, education, skill development, employment, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, and environmental conservation. To recognize the efforts of the participants, the event included the distribution of trophies, cash awards, and certificates to outstanding individuals and teams. This initiative reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to engaging with the youth and providing meaningful opportunities for creative expression. Such events not only foster talent but also strengthen the connection between Kashmiri youth and the nation, allowing them to voice their aspirations and dreams for a better future.

Srinagar, Sept. 17: The Graduation Day ceremony for the Undergraduate Batch of 2022 was on Thursday held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) at the Shalimar Convention Center.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of resilience, innovation, and self-reliance in their future careers. The event featured traditional ceremonial elements, including the donning of robes, an academic procession, and the presentation of provisional degree certificates. The program included a welcome address by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, the signing of academic scrolls, an oath-taking ceremony, and valedictory speeches from students Ms. Surkhab Tashfi and Ms. Farhana Fayaz. Prof. Ganai acknowledged the significant contributions of SKUAST-K students to the university’s innovation ecosystem, noting that many recent patents and startups originated from them. He highlighted the university’s commitment to enhancing academic standards and course offerings to meet global demands, stressing the need for graduates to be skilled, empowered, and capable of developing sustainable solutions. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Afshan Gul, Dean of Students Welfare.

During a hearing on September 15, 2026, Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani granted time for the J&K administration and other respondents to submit their replies, while also directing notice to additional parties involved. The court instructed the respondents to address a representation made by Dr. Farooqui on June 12, 2024, in accordance with relevant regulations, with the next hearing scheduled for October 14, 2026. Dr. Farooqui was dismissed by the J&K Waqf Board in April 2024 amid an inquiry related to an incident where a non-local individual converted to Islam at Hazratbal. The Board initiated an inquiry committee following this incident.

Dr. Farooqui’s petition highlights that he is not named in the FIR associated with the case and references a judicial statement from January 29, 2025, in which the individual who converted confirmed that he was not coerced. The petition raises critical questions about the justification and duration of Dr. Farooqui’s removal, the implications of the recorded statement, and the status of the inquiry. The High Court has yet to make a final ruling on the allegations or Dr. Farooqui’s claims, as it awaits responses from the authorities. This case underscores significant issues regarding administrative procedures, the legitimacy of interim actions, and how representations and new evidence are managed by the relevant authorities. The upcoming hearing will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this legal matter.