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CM Omar directs I&C dept to act tough against showrooms, outlets misbranding machine-made carpets

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CM Omar directs I&C dept to act tough against showrooms, outlets misbranding machine-made carpets

Srinagar, July 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today took a serious note of counterfeit machine-made carpets passed off as authentic Kashmiri hand-knotted products and gave instructions to Industries & Commerce department to take strong action against showrooms and retail outlets which are selling machine-made carpets under the label of Kashmir handmade carpets.

CM observed that these fakes would damage the globally renowned brand of Kashmiri hand-made carpets and adversely affect the artisan families who depend on this craft for their livelihood.

A delegation of Carpet Export Promotion Council, Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, Meeras Carpet Weavers Cooperative, Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization & Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association met the Chief Minister at Civil Secretariat Srinagar calling for prohibiting sale of machine-made carpets in all handicrafts-registered showrooms and stronger enforcement mechanisms. They also raised the issue of some unscrupulous traders making use of fake GI label on machine-made carpets. They called for preserving this craft, Kashmir’s identity and livelihood of artisans.

A delegation from Manigam, Ganderbal called on Chief Minister requesting for safe-guarding parcel of land in their area for future Institutional use. A delegation of HR agency voiced their grievance regarding their pending emoluments with J&K Housing Board. A delegation of Dental surgeons submitted their demand for creation and filing up of posts of dental surgeons.

MLA Sopore, MLA Trehgam also met the Chief Minister to discuss issues concerning their constituencies.

Another delegation of Private Schools’ Association raised several issues concerning private schools before the Chief Minister such as establishment of the State School Standards Authority (SSSA), bringing ease and expediting issuance of NOCs by departments to private schools , requirement of having 10 years lease-deed for schools operating in rented accommodations, ensuring that students get minimum number of working days in an academic calendar, representation to private schools’ bodies in various Government committees on education and other matters of concern.

On the issue of delay in granting of NOCs by various departments to private schools and delay in delivery of services, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah elaborated that in the PSGA meeting held yesterday, all Administrative Secretaries were directed to conduct monthly review meetings to assess the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) andstressed on strict enforcement of timelines for delivery of services to the general public.

It may be recalled that Chief Minister yesterday chaired a high-level review meeting on implementation of Public Services Guarantee Act in which CM emphasized that PSGA framework is meant to eliminate arbitrary and tardy decision-making and to deliver timely services to the public such as revenue records, certificates, licenses, utility connections etc. He instructed departments to strictly adhere to defined timelines and ensure that penalties are imposed on defaulting officers.

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KUET exam scheduled for July 27 postponed, rescheduled to July 29

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Kashmir University postpones exams scheduled today

Srinagar, July 24: It is notified for the information of all concerned candidates that the Kashmir University Entrance Test (KUET), which was earlier scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, has been postponed due to some unavoidable circumstances. The examination has now been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Candidates are advised to visit the official website of the University for the detailed notification and the revised datesheet.

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J&K govt lacks will to deliver effective governance: Altaf Bukhari

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J&K govt lacks will to deliver effective governance: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, July 24: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said that the Congress party played a role in the revocation of Article 370, the stripping of J&K’s statehood, and its bifurcation into two Union Territories (UTs) on August 5, 2019. He also accused the elected J&K government of lacking the will to deliver effective governance to the people.

Bukhari made these remarks while speaking to reporters after chairing the party’s provincial meeting in Jammu.

The meeting aimed to review the current political scenario and discuss certain public issues and some important party matters.

When asked about the Congress party’s vigorous demand for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said, “It is good that the Congress party is now demanding statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. But one could ask: why were they complicit in the stripping of this statehood in the first place? The undeniable fact is that the Congress played a role in the abrogation of Article 370, the stripping of statehood, and the bifurcation of J&K into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019. All these changes could not have passed in the Rajya Sabha without the Congress party’s support.”

“The Congress was complicit on August 5, 2019. If they did not want to oppose the revocation of Article 370, they should have at least stopped the stripping of statehood. They had the power to prevent the government from removing J&K’s statehood and dividing it into two Union Territories,” he added.

Responding a question, Bukhari said that “After August 5, 2019, the Apni Party pursued three primary goals: the protection of land, and employment rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the restoration of statehood. As far as the protection of the special rights of J&K’s people over land and jobs is concerned, we succeeded in ensuring that. However, our struggle for the restoration of statehood continues, and I assure the people that we will not rest until this right of the people of J&K is restored by New Delhi.”

In response to questions about the poor performance of the government in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said that the elected government lacks the will to deliver effective governance.

He said, “Despite having more than 50 members in the Assembly, this government has failed to deliver—only because it lacks the will to provide effective governance to the people who voted for it.”

He also accused the ruling party of misleading the people with fake promises during the elections.

He said, “The ruling party leaders sought votes from the people by promising the restoration of Article 370 and statehood. They also promised to provide two lakh jobs soon after coming to power in J&K. In addition, they had boasted about offering 300 units of free electricity and 12 gas cylinders per year to consumers. All these promises were completely false and made only to grab votes.”

Replying a question, Apni Party President said, “Earlier, the people of Jammu and Kashmir used to be polarised along regional lines during elections. Unfortunately, this time, the BJP polarised them on a communal basis.”

Reiterating his demand for Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure that these polls are held.

He said, “The ruling party does not want to share power with grassroots-level representatives—Panches and others—which is why it is avoiding these elections. I urge the Hon’ble Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that ULB and Panchayat polls are conducted, so that the people can be empowered through grassroots-level democracy.”

Replying to a question, he said, “Apni Party will support anything that is in favour of the well-being of Kashmiri Pandits, because they have suffered a lot over the years.”

Meanwhile, during the provincial-level meeting chaired by Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, thorough discussions were held on the prevailing political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, leaders raised several pressing public issues and also brought certain party matters to the attention of the Party President.

Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, the prominent party leaders who were present in the meeting included General Secretary Vijay Bakaya, Provincial President Manjit Singh, Provincial Senior Vice President Shah Mohammad Tantray, Provincial Vice president Arun Chibber, Provincial Vice President Saleem Choudhary, Provincial Secretary / In-charge Trade Wing Ajaz Kazmi, Coordinator/ In-charge Pir Panjal Arun Sharma, Provincial Secretary In-charge Minority Cell Balbir Singh Baba, District President Jammu (Urban)  Abhay Bakaya, District President Kishtwar Mashood Mattoo, District President Doda Adil Wani, District President Jammu Rural (A) Pushp Dev Uppal, District President Jammu Rural (B)  Advocate Harpreet Singh, District President Samba Raman Thapha, District President Rural ( Bani / Basohli ) Madan Lal Thakur, District President Rajouri Rural ( Nowshera / Kalakote ) Vicky Soodan, Provincial Jammu Spokesperson Advocate Sahil Bharti, Provincial Spokesperson Jammu Raqiq Khan, Provincial President Minority Wing Balbir Singh Baba , Provincial President Women Wing Jammu Pavneet Kour, Provincial Social Media In-charge Jammu Vaibhav Mattoo, Senior leader Bodhraj Baghat , Senior Leader Shankar Singh Chib, Rajkumar Lalotra, and  others.

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Lieutenant Governor addresses Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program at IUST

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Lieutenant Governor addresses Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program at IUST

Srinagar, July 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.

Yuva Connect is a flagship initiative under Viksit Bharat-Yuva Connect Program launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the transformative platform for youth engagement which aims to bridge the gap between young citizens and policymakers while empowering youth to become active stakeholders in nation-building.

He said the initiative is a step toward fostering structured youth engagement and building a stronger link between young citizens and policymakers.

“Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program aims to create a platform where youth can share ideas, engage in policy dialogues and be inspired to contribute actively to India’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi had outlined four main objectives for Youth Connect: Engage, Encourage, Enable and Inspire. Leveraging the MY Bharat platform, the program emphasizes fostering dialogue, participatory governance, and leadership development among India’s youth, thereby preparing them to contribute effectively to the country’s growth and development journey towards 2047.

The program is designed to inspire young minds to engage actively in civic and national issues. It creates structured opportunities for youth to share their ideas, participate in policy dialogues, and articulate their perspectives on matters of national importance,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor encouraged the youth of J&K to lead India’s development journey and provide innovative solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges.

“Youth will create a brighter future of J&K and ensure long-lasting peace and prosperity.  In this 21st century, despite constant change and challenges, it is our youth— our most valuable asset—who possesses the power to drive the socio-economic revolution. Jammu and Kashmir, brimming with infinite possibilities, is empowering its aspiring youth with abundant resources and opportunities,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Move ahead with the resolve of Nation-First. Adopt the Prime Minister’s “Panch Pran” resolution. Qualities like Initiative, Leadership, Self-Confidence, Persistence, Imagination and Courage to learn from failure will guide you on the path of Viksit Bharat’s journey, the Lieutenant Governor told the youth.

He congratulated the Vice Chancellor and faculty members of IUST for implementing progressive reforms in the last few years which contributed to transform J&K’s higher education sector and also inspiring the higher educational institutions across the country. This is the right time IUST should work on establishing a semiconductor lab, he said.

“We can achieve the resolution of Viksit Bharat only when J&K is Viksit, when our districts are Viksit, and most importantly our Universities are Viksit and play an important role in our economic growth.  I am proud that the IUST is working with this resolve in true letter and spirit,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.

Paying tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to dedicate themselves fully to building a brighter future for India and an inclusive society, as envisioned by Sardar Patel.

The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated his resolve to combat the drug menace, taking a firm pledge to make every university in Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.

He emphasized that only drug-free campuses can contribute to nation-building, a goal achievable through a few key initiatives.

The anti-drug drive must begin at the admission level, encouraging every student to take an oath to stay away from drugs. Every university should establish a ‘Say No To Drugs Student Committee’, supervised by faculty members, which will serve as an Early Warning Mechanism.

Universities must create a confidential reporting system and provide needy students with assured access to support via helplines like Tele-Manas. In addition to counselling and support systems, drug de-addiction content should be incorporated into the academic curriculum, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the winners of pre-events including Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, Debate Competitions, and extended his best wishes for the upcoming main event on August 12th. This significant day will see the formal launch of the “Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect Program” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will simultaneously engage with students and faculty across 1,339 universities.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered Viksit Bharat Shapath, a collective pledge affirming their commitment to the nation’s progress. He also released the University’s publication and IUST’s institutional development plan for achieving academic excellence and making the university future ready.

Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST presented a special presentation on how the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 is being integrated into the university’s Institutional Development Plan (IDP), covering administrative, academic, research, and outreach activities down to the department and center levels.

Yuva Samvad, an open dialogue session among the students was also held, focusing on civic responsibilities, national development, and current issues, followed by the screening of the “Sardar @150” video, a visual tribute to the life and legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama; Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar, IUST; senior officials, HoDs, faculty members and students were present.

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Gold declines Rs 1,400 to Rs 99,620/10 g; silver plunges Rs 3,000

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Gold declines Rs 600 to Rs 99,020 per 10 g; silver plunges Rs 1,000

New Delhi, July 24: Gold prices dived Rs 1,400 to Rs 99,620 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday due to profit-booking by stockists and a subdued trend in the global markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,01,020 per 10 grams on Wednesday.

In the national capital, gold of 99.5 per cent purity fell Rs 1,200 to Rs 99,250 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Thursday. It had settled at Rs 1,00,450 per 10 grams in the previous market session.

“Gold prices are down on profit-booking, as the risk premium eased after US announced trade agreements with Japan and the Philippines — raising expectations more such deals, especially with China and Europe.

“However, prices may see some support from a weaker dollar against major currencies,” Pranav Mer, Vice President, EBG, Commodity & Currency Research, JM Financial Services, said.

As per the association, silver prices plunged Rs 3,000 to Rs 1,15,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) on Thursday. It had rallied Rs 4,000 to hit a lifetime high of Rs 1,18,000 per kg on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, spot gold fell USD 24.35, or 0.72 per cent, to USD 3,362.88 per ounce in the international markets.

“Gold retreated from a five-week high and continued to decline on Thursday as optimism regarding the trade deal between the US and its major trading partners reduced the demand for safe-haven assets,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst, Commodities, at HDFC Securities, said.

Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst — Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said, “Over the past month, gold had sustained gains amid stalled tariff negotiations, but fresh deal announcements have triggered expectations of easing tensions, reducing bullion’s appeal in the short term.”

On the global front, spot silver went lower by 0.53 per cent to trade at USD 39.05 per ounce.

“Going ahead the US weekly jobless claims numbers and S&P Global flash PMI data will be in focus on Thursday to gauge economic health ahead of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision next week.

“Traders could also remain on alert with European Central Bank’s interest rate decision later in the day which could create volatility in global currency pairs,” Maneesh Sharma, AVP – Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, said.

Greater Kashmir

Police attach property used for harbouring terrorists in Sopore

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Budgam Police attach properties of Pak-based terror handlers

Srinagar, July 24: Police on Thursday said that in a major action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, police in Sopore attached a residential property for its use in providing shelter and logistical support to terrorists involved in unlawful and anti-national activities.

In a statement, the police said that the property comprises a single-storey residential house along with land measuring 3 Kanals and 3 marlas, under Survey Nos. 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018, situated at Reban Ramham, falling in the ownership of Javaid Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Rasool Dar resident of Reban Sopore.

The attachment has been made in connection with FIR No. 133/2024 registered at Police Station Sopore under sections 13, 18, 19, 20, 23, 38, 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and section 7/25 of the Arms Act.

During the course of investigation, it was found that the said property was wilfully used for harbouring terrorists and facilitating their stay, thereby aiding the execution of terror activities in the Sopore area. Acting on the gathered evidence, and after obtaining necessary approval from the competent authority, the said property has been attached as per legal provisions under UAPA.

Police reiterates its firm commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem operating in the area by targeting not just the operatives but also those providing shelter, support, and resources to them. General public is once again advised to refrain from extending any kind of support tangible or intangible to terrorists or their associates, failing which strict action under the provisions of law shall follow, reads the statement.

Greater Kashmir

Airlines received 69 hoax bomb threats this year till July 20: Govt

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13 soldiers killed, 29 injured in suicide bombing in Pakistan's north Waziristan 

New Delhi, July 24: Airlines received 69 hoax bomb threats this year till July 20, the government said on Thursday.

As per data from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), a total of 881 hoax bomb threats have been received by airlines from 2022 to July 20, 2025.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said BCAS has mandated robust protocols for handling such threats in coordination with law enforcement agencies, central security agencies, CISF and stakeholders, leading to minimal impact on flight operations.

A total of 69 hoax bomb threats have been received by airlines this year till July 20, and the count was at 728 in 2024.

There were 71 and 13 hoax bomb threats in 2023 and 2022, respectively, according to the data shared as part of the written reply.

The minister said, “94 hoax bomb threats were received by airline operators in Karnataka from 2021 till 20th July, 2025. No arrests have been made for making hoax bomb threats to airlines in Karnataka.”

He was responding to a query from a Lok Sabha member asking about the number of bomb threats reported at airports in Karnataka during the last five years and the number of individuals arrested in connection with the same, along with the legal actions taken against them.

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BSF search operation on after suspected infiltration in J&K’s Jammu district

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BSF search operation on after suspected infiltration in J&K's Jammu district

Jammu, July 24: Border Security Force (BSF) troopers on Thursday continued a search operation along the international border (IB) after suspected infiltration in the R.S. Pura sector of Jammu district.

BSF officials said the operation began late on Wednesday night and continued through the early hours of Thursday.

Troopers carried out coordinated searches in the forward villages, agricultural fields, and dense vegetation near the border fence.

“An infiltration alert was also issued across the R.S. Pura and Arnia sectors, prompting night patrolling and intensified surveillance measures. Additional personnel, dog squads and thermal imaging equipment to monitor any movement across the border,” a BSF official said.

Drone surveillance was also pressed into service to aid ground troops in scanning difficult terrain. The heightened activity comes amid ongoing concerns over attempts by terrorists to exploit vulnerable stretches of the border to infiltrate ahead of upcoming national events and festivals.

Villagers residing near the zero line have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security post.

According to the BSF official, though no contact or exchange of fire was reported during the search, the alert would continue for the coming days.

“All border outposts have been put on maximum alert and coordination with other intelligence and security agencies has been strengthened to ensure a robust multi-tiered defence mechanism,” an official said.

After the April 22 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist attack backed by Pakistan in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were killed, J&K Police and the security forces have been aggressively carrying out anti-terrorist operations targeting terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers in order to dismantle the complete ecosystem of terror in J&K.

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India, UK ink historic trade deal

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India, UK ink historic trade deal

London, July 24: India and the UK on Thursday inked a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) that will cut tariffs on British whisky, cars and an array of items, besides boosting bilateral trade by around USD 34 billion annually

The deal was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynold in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer.

The FTA is expected to benefit 99 per cent Indian exports from tariff and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India, besides boosting the overall trade basket, according to Indian officials.

The deal, firmed up after three years of negotiations, is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99 per cent of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100 per cent of the trade values, they said.

The UK said Indian consumers will benefit from improved access to the best British products — from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices — as average tariffs will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent after the FTA kicks in.

The UK already imports 11 billion pounds in goods from India but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper for British consumers and businesses to buy Indian products and boost Indian businesses’ exports to the UK, it said in a statement, hours before the FTA was inked.

“Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain,” Starmer was quoted as saying in the readout.

Indian officials said India’s landmark free trade pact with the UK will benefit it significantly as the deal will ensure the elimination of tariffs on approximately 99 per cent of tariff lines, covering nearly 100 per cent of the trade value.

The FTA is also set to make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India, besides boosting the overall trade basket, they said.

Greater Kashmir

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release in Middle East

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India calls for ceasefire, hostage release in Middle East

New Delhi, July 24: In a statement delivered during the UNSC Quarterly Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, India asserted that a ceasefire must be put in place and all hostages must be released.

Speaking at the debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, noted that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to achieving these objectives.

He emphasized that intermittent pauses in hostilities are not enough to address the scale of humanitarian challenges confronting the region’s people.

Greater Kashmir

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