Gulmarg, Feb 25: Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Wednesday defended the use of artificial snow for winter sports, countering BJP criticism by saying the practice aligns with global standards and is essential for hosting high-level competitions.

Minister Sharma said artificial snow is widely used at leading winter sports destinations worldwide to ensure consistency amid changing weather patterns.

With reduced natural snowfall, he said, technological support had become necessary to sustain events such as the Khelo India Winter Games.

“Artificial snow is a global practice and vital for winter sports success,” the minister said, adding that criticism reflected a lack of understanding of modern sports infrastructure and climate challenges.

He said the government was committed to developing Jammu and Kashmir as a major winter tourism and sports hub, asserting that such initiatives would boost tourism, generate employment and strengthen the local economy. —(KNO)

Srinagar, Feb 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the development of the civil enclave at the Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore.

The approval was granted earlier in the day by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the PM.

The project marks a significant milestone in strengthening the aviation infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in the Kashmir Valley, an official statement said.

Welcoming the decision, Abdullah said the expansion of the civil enclave at the Srinagar airport will give a major boost to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Improved air connectivity will facilitate greater tourist inflow, enhance trade and business opportunities, and create new avenues for employment generation across sectors linked to tourism and services, he said.

“The expansion of the Srinagar airport is a transformative step for Jammu and Kashmir. Enhanced aviation infrastructure will not only strengthen connectivity with the rest of the country but also accelerate economic growth and tourism in the region,” Abdullah said.

He said improved connectivity remains central to unlocking the full economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir.

The approved project will play a pivotal role in positioning the region as a premier tourism and investment destination, the chief minister said.

Srinagar, Feb 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday said that CT University has terminated its Vice Chancellor following serious allegations of misconduct and administrative failure linked to the alleged harassment of Kashmiri Muslim students over their request for Sehri and Iftar arrangements during the holy month of Ramadhan.

National Convenor of JKSA, Nasir Khuehami, said that the Punjab Chief Secretary, KAP Sinha, informed the Association that the matter was taken up at the highest level and has now been resolved. According to the Association, the Chief Secretary conveyed that Dr. Nitin Tandon has been removed from his position as Vice Chancellor with immediate effect.

The controversy began after Muslim Kashmiri students alleged that they were threatened with eviction from the hostel and cancellation of their admissions after requesting basic meal arrangements for Sehri and Iftar in the university mess during Ramadhan. The students further alleged that the then Vice Chancellor used abusive language and warned them of academic repercussions.

The issue escalated into a peaceful agitation on campus, with students demanding a fair probe, assurance of safety, and institutional accountability.

Following JKSA’s intervention with the Punjab Government, senior district officials, including Senior Superintendent of Police Ankur Gupta and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Upinderjit Kaur Brar, visited the university campus to assess the situation and ensure the safety and security of the students.

Khuehami also stated that Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, visited the campus, met students and university authorities, and facilitated dialogue to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy.

Subsequently, the Chancellor of the University, Charanjit Singh Channi, informed that Vice Chancellor Dr. Nitin Tandon has been terminated over his alleged conduct and handling of the situation. He added that the university has initiated an internal inquiry into the incident, while local authorities continue to monitor developments to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Punjab Government has also constituted a high-level committee, headed by the SDM, to conduct a time-bound probe into the matter, including possible administrative lapses and misconduct.

The Association said the agitation was formally called off after the administration ordered a comprehensive inquiry and the university terminated its Vice Chancellor. JKSA expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government, the university management, the district administration, police authorities, and community leaders for ensuring the matter was resolved peacefully through dialogue and institutional intervention.

Reiterating its stance, the Association said that Punjab has historically been a welcoming and compassionate home for Kashmiri students and traders, and stressed that preserving this legacy of brotherhood and inclusivity remains essential.

Srinagar, Feb 24: Ujala Cygnus Amandeep BR Medicity, Srinagar, has been awarded the prestigious NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) certification for Emergency Department Excellence.

This recognition underscores the hospital’s unwavering commitment to “Patient Safety & Quality of Care” and its dedication to setting new standards in emergency care.

Located at Rehmat Nagar, Tengpora, Srinagar, Amandeep BR Medicity has been officially recognized for its high-quality certified emergency services. This milestone ensures that residents of Srinagar and surrounding areas have access to world-class, standardized emergency medical response. “We are proud to receive this prestigious certification, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts to provide exceptional emergency care,” said a spokesperson for Amandeep BR Medicity. “We remain committed to delivering excellence in healthcare, prioritizing patient safety and quality of care.”

Dr Avtar Singh, Director, Ujala Cygnus Amandeep BR Medicity, said, “This NABH certification is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing top-notch emergency care. We are committed to continuing our mission of delivering high-quality healthcare services to the community, ensuring patient safety and satisfaction remain our top priority.”

The NABH certification is a testament to Amandeep BR Medicity’s adherence to stringent quality standards; ensuring patients receive reliable and efficient emergency services.

Amandeep Group has now grown into a network of over 750 beds, with 170+ expert doctors serving across six locations — two in Amritsar and one each in Pathankot, Ferozepur, Srinagar, and Tarn Taran. Over the years, the group has transformed the lives of more than twenty five lakh patients and continues to set new benchmarks in healthcare.