Srinagar, Sep 07: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the inaugural session of the International Conference on “Nanotechnology for Better Living (NBL-2025)” at University of Kashmir.

The five-day mega event, organised by University of Kashmir in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, has brought together leading scientists and researchers to showcase recent advancements in nanotechnology and its applications for sustainable living.

In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the advancements and breakthroughs in Nanotechnology that is reshaping the lives and work environment and ensuring ease of living.

“Today evolution in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is having transformative impact across various sectors. The cutting-edge research in future will address critical global challenges in industries, healthcare and the environment.

There is not a single area of global socio-economic development that does not bear the signature of Nanotechnology in some form or the other. In the years to come, this will become more prominent as we script the new advancements in technology,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, exhorted the scientists and experts to establish a group which can help in developing an Advance Early Warning System for Flash Floods by making more sensitive and accurate sensors through nanotechnology.

“Keeping in mind the challenges of climate change, we should focus on creating nanomaterials that can reduce pollution in chemical manufacturing.

We must also explore the new possibilities to develop soil sensors specifically for the Himalayan regions. These sensors would be part of an Advanced Early Warning System that can warn about the dangers of landslides in advance based on changes in soil saturation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said these projects will prove to be game changers in preventing loss due to natural disasters for the Himalayan region of India in the future.

The Lieutenant Governor further called on the scientists and experts associated with nanotechnology to make their significant contributions in defense sector, particularly in manufacturing the lighter components of defense equipment.

Nanotechnology experts and scientists must join this effort and strengthen the self-reliance campaign in the defense sector, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called for devising a plan to incentivize talents in Nano-Technology in Academic institutions.

“Our focus should be on developing and using Nano Technology for the benefit of humanity. We simply cannot ignore the daunting challenges of climate change that confront us. Our inventions and initiative show how quickly we are leading various areas of Nano-Technology.

In the future, new innovations in nanoscale transistors, nano-particles, nano materials and nanoscale additives in energy, environment, food, agriculture and electronics will be very important for the welfare of humanity. I hope that the benefits of these technologies will reach the common man,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also released an abstract book on the 5-day International Conference.

Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan; Dean Academics, BRIC-InStem, Bangalore, Prof. Praveen K. Vemula; eminent Scientist from IIT Kanpur, Prof. Ashok Kumar; Head, Department of Nanotechnology, Kashmir University and Organizing Chair of the Conference, Prof. Rabia Hamid; scientists, experts, researchers and heads of educational institutions were present.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; DIG Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Pandey; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; SSP Srinagar, Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy; Registrar, Kashmir University, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, scholars, faculty and students also attended the inaugural ceremony.

Chadoora, Sept 07: Authorities on Saturday made the vital Badipora-Sogam bridge through for light motor vehicles here in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, days after Greater Kashmir highlighted the issue.

The bridge, inaugurated in the run-up to the 2014 assembly elections, had been defunct since March 16 this year after heavy rains washed away its retaining wall on the Sogam side.

The Public Works (R&B) Department made the bridge through for LMVs by filling the deep gorge left beside the retaining wall.

While construction work was taken up by the department soon after the March damage, the bridge gradually went on the backburner leaving people agitated. After initial concrete raft work on the retaining wall, the department later shifted to gabions (crate work) to save time and money. Still the road is not through, leaving the locals all the more perplexed.

Greater Kashmir on Sept 2 carried an exclusive report on the ordeal faced by thousands of people in the area, who commute through the bridge on a daily-basis for the last six months.

The bridge was inaugurated by Chrar-e-Sharif MLA and Jammu and Kashmir Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather in the run-up to the 2014 Assembly Elections at an estimated cost of Rs 55 lakh.

Rather, a National Conference veteran, who lost the 2014 state election to PDP’s Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, made a comeback in last year’s first assembly polls in the UT of J&K from his traditional bastion Chrar-e-Sharif.

Ganderbal, Sept 07: In a fresh action against illegal mineral extraction, Ganderbal Police in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department seized four vehicles engaged in unlawful transportation of minor minerals from Nallah Sindh on Sunday.

Officials said three tippers and one tractor loaded with illegally extracted material were intercepted within the jurisdiction of Police Station Lar and Police Station Gund. The seized vehicles bear registration numbers JK01S/1372, JK04B/0681, JK15/0205 and JK16B/7118.

Police said the crackdown is part of the ongoing campaign to curb illegal mining and safeguard natural resources of the district. Strict legal action has been initiated against the violators.

Authorities urged residents to cooperate by providing information about such activities in their localities. Police assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential and reiterated its resolve to continue strict measures against illegal mining. [KNT]

Anantnag, Sept 07: A man lost his life after falling from a walnut tree in the Achabal area of Anantnag district on Sunday.

Officials said that the deceased has been identified as Mohammad Rafiq Mir, 50, son of Abdul Aziz Mir, a resident of Check Achabal.

He fell while collecting walnuts and died on the spot, they said.

Cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation initiated. (KNC)

Srinagar, Sep 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj & Umrah Companies has urged the Government of India to facilitate direct international flights from Srinagar Airport to Saudi Arabia for pilgrims, so that immigration procedures can be completed within the Valley instead of New Delhi.

The demand was put forth during the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Association, which was held at SKICC Srinagar on Saturday. The meeting was followed by an extensive discussion on Hajj-related matters, attended by Member of Parliament Rahullah Mehdi, legislators Farooq Ahmed Shah and Sheikh Khurshid, as well as prominent Islamic scholars including Mufti Nazir Qasmi.

The participants unanimously stressed the need for easing travel hardships faced by Hajj and Umrah aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir. They said the existing system of routing pilgrims through New Delhi not only causes logistical difficulties but also places an additional financial burden on travelers.

Addressing the gathering, Member Parliament Rahullah Mehdi appealed to tour and travel operators to ensure better facilities for pilgrims. He also cautioned them against getting trapped in unnecessary controversies and urged collective efforts to safeguard the sanctity of religious travel.

The Association highlighted that Hajj and Umrah are purely religious obligations and should therefore be exempted from Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other levies. They said that the imposition of taxes on services connected with pilgrimages is unfair and adds to the financial strain on aspirants.

During the discussions, participants also emphasized the need for more transparent mechanisms, better coordination with airlines, and improved infrastructure to ensure smooth operations for pilgrims departing from Jammu and Kashmir.

The Association said it will soon submit a memorandum to the central government reiterating these demands and pressing for early action. [KNT]