Author: Agencies
JAMMU: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for by-elections to the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, to be held alongside the Bihar Assembly Election 2025. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi, said that polling for the two J&K seats will be conducted on November 11, and counting of votes will take place on November 14. The Budgam seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated it, choosing to retain the Ganderbal seat following his victory from both constituencies in last year’s Assembly election.…
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated the Curtain Raiser of the maiden Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025), themed “Imagine Innovate Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047” slated to be from 3rd to 5th November, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, here. Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh complimented the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and the scientific ministries for conceptualizing ESTIC as India’s first integrated science, technology and innovation platform. He said…
KATHUA: The much-awaited Regional Round of Behes 2025 was hosted with great enthusiasm at Jammu Sanskriti School, Kathua on October 4th and 5th, marking a spectacular two-day celebration of intellect, dialogue, and youthful confidence. ✨ Day 1 – Behes Regionals 2025 Commence with Energy and Ideas The event was inaugurated in the presence of Salil Singh, Founder of Behes, and Eshan Butalia, Tournament Director, whose insightful words inspired participants to think critically, speak fearlessly, and engage in meaningful debate. The opening day was filled with spirited discussions, thought-provoking arguments, and a remarkable display of analytical and public-speaking skills by students.…
RAMBAN: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) on Monday organised a one-day Educational Conference in Ramban, bringing together educators from across the Jammu region to deliberate on key issues concerning teachers’ welfare, professional development, and educational reform. Presiding over the conference, Bhupinder Singh, UT President of JKTA and a staunch advocate for teachers’ rights, reiterated the association’s commitment to empowering educators and ensuring fair administrative policies. During the conference, JKTA called for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), exemption and review of the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), implementation of Annual Transfer Drives (ATD) for Jammu and Udhampur…
JAMMU: In a significant step toward promoting women empowerment and local entrepreneurship, Devyani Rana, Vice President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), today launched “Gau Shakti Floor Cleaner” — an eco-friendly, organic cleaning product crafted by the women of Nagrota constituency. The product, made from natural cow-based ingredients, represents a blend of traditional wisdom and modern enterprise, setting a benchmark for self-reliant rural industries in Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing the gathering at the launch, Rana described Gau Shakti as more than just a household product. “This initiative is not just about a product — it’s about a movement. We are…
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday extended a warm welcome to young football players from across India who arrived in the Valley to participate in the National School Games (U-19 Football Tournament), assuring them full support despite the chilly weather conditions. “The weather does not allow me to give a long speech and keep you standing in the rain,” Omar said while addressing the participants. “The weather is not in our hands, but on behalf of myself, my colleagues, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I welcome all the players and their teams who have…
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today officially declared open the 69th National School Games at TRC Football Ground, Srinagar, by ceremonially kicking a football, marking the formal commencement of the national-level sporting event. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed (Pardesi), Director General Youth Services & Sports Anuradha Gupta, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, and several other dignitaries and officials. This year’s National School Games has drawn participation from 30 teams representing various States and Union Territories across…
SRINAGAR: The higher reaches of Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Gurez and other mountainous regions, experienced the season’s first snowfall this week, marking the early onset of winter in the Valley. Fresh layers of snow blanketed several high-altitude areas such as Affarwat in Gulmarg, Sinthan Top in Anantnag, Zojila Pass, Gumri, Minimarg, and Razdan Top — the gateway to Gurez Valley in Bandipora district. According to officials, light snowfall began early Monday morning at Razdan Top, leading to a dip in temperatures across the upper reaches. Despite the change in weather, vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road remained open. The Meteorological Department…
SRINAGAR: A delegation of Civil Society Forum Kashmir for Health, led by Omar Shafi Trumboo, today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and discussed measures to further strengthen the fight against the drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation shared several suggestions and proposals aimed at enhancing coordination among stakeholders and improving awareness, rehabilitation, and enforcement mechanisms to curb substance abuse across the UT. In another meeting, a public delegation led by Nazir Ahmad Khan, former DDC Chairman Budgam, also met the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and submitted a memorandum of demands pertaining to a wide range of developmental issues…
JAMMU: Work is underway to restore train services that were suspended due to heavy rains in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway. In view of the upcoming festive season and passenger convenience, the Railway authorities have announced the fifth phase of restoration to normalize rail traffic in the division. Previously, services were restored in four phases, and now several important trains are being re-operated in the fifth phase as per the following schedule: 🔹 Re-Operated Trains: 🔸 Short-Terminated / Short-Originated Trains: (For updated information on short-terminated and short-originated trains, passengers may refer to NTES or dial 139.) Senior Divisional Commercial…