Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), on Monday launched a one-week advanced capacity-building program on Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Modelling for Economic Policy Analysis at its Shalimar campus.

Organised by the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), SKUAST-K, the program will run from June 29 to July 4, bringing together researchers, academicians, policymakers, and development professionals from across the country for intensive training in advanced economic modelling and policy analysis.

The programme aims to strengthen participants’ capacity to apply CGE models for evidence-based research, policy simulation, and informed decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, trade, rural development, and public policy.

The inaugural session was presided over by Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, while Prof. Anjani Kumar, Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI, attended as Guest of Honor. Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-K, and Prof. Raihana H. Kanth, Director, Extension and Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, were also present.

Underscoring the institutional significance of the initiative, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Ganai said, “Advanced economic modelling is central to designing sustainable and inclusive policy solutions. This program reflects SKUAST-K’s commitment to research excellence and policy relevance.”

Welcoming participants, Course Director Prof. Farhet A. Shaheen highlighted the program’s practical focus and its relevance to strengthening analytical capacity among researchers and policy professionals. Highlighting the broader policy relevance of such analytical tools, Prof. Anjani Kumar said, “CGE modelling has become indispensable for understanding economic complexity and strengthening policy decisions through data-driven insights.” Expanding on the technical significance of the framework, Dr Barun Deb Pal, Lead Resource Person from IFPRI, noted, “CGE models provide a powerful framework to assess economic linkages and policy impacts across sectors.”

The collaboration with IFPRI further reinforces SKUAST-K’s expanding global research partnerships and its growing role in economic policy research and institutional capacity building.

The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Aiman Fayaz, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Farheen Naqash.

Anantnag, Jun 29: Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director of Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma on Monday conducted surprise inspections in South Kashmir to review the progress of the ongoing House Listing and Housing Census (HLO), the first phase of Census 2027.

During his visit to the Dooru-Verinag and Kokernag areas of Anantnag district, Sharma assessed the implementation of house-listing and housing census operations and interacted with field functionaries to obtain first-hand feedback on the progress of the exercise.

He was accompanied by Census officials, the Executive Officer of the Dooru-Verinag Municipal Committee and members of his team.

As part of the inspection, Sharma reviewed house numbering, mapping and enumeration activities at various locations to ensure that field operations were being carried out in accordance with the guidelines and notifications issued from time to time.

The Census chief conducted random inspections at several locations in Dooru-Verinag and Kokernag to assess the pace and quality of the ongoing Phase-I exercise.

He also interacted with enumerators and supervisors engaged in the Census operations and sought feedback on field-level implementation, challenges encountered and the overall progress of the exercise. The interactions focused on ensuring the accuracy, completeness and timely completion of the enumeration process.

Sharma urged the field staff to maintain the same level of dedication during the second and more critical phase of the Census — Population Enumeration (PE).

Emphasising the importance of high-quality data, he advised enumerators and supervisors to continue their work with diligence and remain fully prepared for Phase-II to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of Census operations.

He said the Census is being conducted on scientific lines through a fully digital and paperless system for the first time, adding that the data generated would serve as the foundation for future development planning and policy formulation.

The visit formed part of the ongoing monitoring and supervision mechanism to ensure the successful conduct of Census operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the Census as one of the country’s most important national exercises, Sharma said reliable Census data forms the basis for evidence-based governance, developmental planning and equitable distribution of resources.

He also clarified that all information collected during both phases of Census 2027 is legally protected and cannot be shared with any outside agency, government department or individual. He said the data is also inadmissible in a court of law, as provided under Section 15 of the Census Act, 1948.

Stressing the need for precision, Sharma directed enumerators and supervisors to ensure every entry is recorded accurately and thoroughly verified, cautioning that even minor errors or conceptual misunderstandings could affect the quality of Census data and have long-term implications for policy planning.

He also instructed Charge Officers and Supervisors to conduct regular field inspections and quality checks to maintain data integrity. Sharma called for strict adherence to Census guidelines and directed officials to ensure comprehensive coverage of every household, including those located in remote habitations, border areas and seasonal settlements.

Srinagar, Jun 29: As part of the security preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, Amod Ashok Nagpure, on Monday chaired a high-level security review meeting at Harnag Railway Station to assess preparedness and strengthen the security grid for the annual pilgrimage.

The meeting brought together senior officers from the District Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Police and other security agencies to review security arrangements and ensure coordinated planning ahead of the 57-day pilgrimage, which is expected to witness the participation of over 3.5 lakh pilgrims.

During the meeting, SSP Nagpure emphasised the need for seamless coordination among all security agencies to facilitate the safe movement of pilgrims while ensuring uninterrupted railway operations. He directed officers to reinforce key components of the security architecture, including robust access control, round-the-clock surveillance, anti-sabotage checks, real-time intelligence sharing and effective deployment of personnel at the railway station and its surrounding areas.

The SSP also stressed the importance of maintaining a high state of alertness, strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and establishing swift response mechanisms to deal with any contingency.

He conducted a detailed review of the existing deployment plan, CCTV surveillance network, baggage screening protocols, frisking procedures, emergency response preparedness, traffic regulation around the railway station and passenger facilitation measures. He also called for regular joint drills involving the Police, CAPF, Railway Police and the civil administration to improve coordination and operational preparedness.

“Continuous monitoring of vulnerable points and close liaison between all agencies is essential for creating a foolproof security environment,” SSP Nagpure told the officers.

Following the meeting, the SSP conducted an on-site inspection of Harnag Railway Station, where he examined security installations, entry and exit points, CCTV control rooms, baggage screening areas, and passenger amenities. He also interacted with personnel deployed at the station and issued specific directions to further strengthen the overall security architecture.

The officers present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring foolproof security arrangements and seamless coordination for the peaceful, safe and successful conduct of the pilgrimage.

Officials said the railway security review forms part of the broader multi-layered security blueprint for SANJY-2026, which includes advanced surveillance systems, drone monitoring, deployment of sniper teams, ridge domination exercises and enhanced coordination among the J&K Police, CAPF and the Army. Authorities have consistently maintained that the safety of pilgrims remains the top priority, with a strong emphasis on intelligence-led policing and community participation.

The ongoing security preparations, officials said, reflect the administration’s resolve to build upon the successful and incident-free conduct of previous Amarnath Yatras and ensure that devotees undertake the pilgrimage in a safe and secure environment.

Srinagar, Jun 29: Security forces on Monday recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from a hideout in Sopore area of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

During a search operation in Warpora area of Sopore, they recovered arms and ammunition, including an AK rifle, a magazine, 30 rounds of ammunition, a Under barrel grenade launcher and three UBGL grenades, they added.

Srinagar, June 29: The Kulgam district administration on Monday stepped up enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items and polythene carry bags, ordering inspections, seizures and legal action against violators.

The move comes 10 days after the Ladakh administration imposed a similar ban on identified single-use plastic products across the Union Territory.

The directions were issued in a public notice by the Additional District Magistrate by order of the District Magistrate.

“The manufacture, stocking, sale, distribution, transportation and use of banned polythene carry bags and single-use plastic items are strictly prohibited within the district Kulgam,” the order said.

The ban applies to shopkeepers, vendors, wholesalers, retailers, government offices, institutions and the general public.

The administration said the indiscriminate use of single-use plastic “poses a serious threat to the environment, public health, water bodies, chokes our drainage system, disturbs wildlife and causes ecological imbalance.”

“The prohibition is backed by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended), the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, and subsequent government notifications. It also cited the Centre’s May 18 notification empowering district collectors to implement the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026,” the order read.

Residents have been advised to use cloth, jute and paper bags and other eco-friendly alternatives.

“Any person or organization found violating the provisions of the ban shall be liable for action under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended) and the EPA, 1986 and other relevant laws in force,” the order said.

Block Development Officers (BDO’s) and Executive Officers (EO’s) of Municipal Committees have been directed to inspect shops and marketplaces, seize banned plastic items and recommend action under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act.

They have also been asked to submit monthly compliance reports to the Deputy Commissioner’s office through the Additional District Development Commissioner.