Home Blog Page 262

Jammu Panthers, Jammu Tigers storm into final

0
Jammu Panthers, Jammu Tigers storm into final

Jammu, Mar 15: Jammu Panthers and Jammu Tigers booked their places in the final of the YSS-JKSC Cricket Premier League after registering victories in their respective semifinals at MA Stadium, Jammu.

As per a statement issued, Jammu Panthers edged past Kathua Heros by three wickets in a closely contested first semifinal of the YSS-JKSC Cricket Premier League Jammu at MA Stadium on Saturday while

Jammu Tigers booked their place in the final after defeating Udhampur Fighters by 27 runs in the second semifinal on Sunday.

In the first semifinal, after winning the toss, Kathua Heros opted to bat first and posted a modest total of 132/9 in 20 overs. Despite early setbacks, Sandeep Singh played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 35 balls, hitting three boundaries to anchor the innings.

Kathua Heros struggled in the early stages as their top order collapsed quickly, losing three wickets for just 13 runs. Harseerat Singh contributed 22 off 21 balls, while Manitvya Sharma added a quick 19 off 10 deliveries to stabilize the innings briefly. Late contributions from Himanshu Sharma and Rohit Sharma helped push the total past 130.

For Jammu Panthers, Deep delivered a standout bowling performance, claiming 4 wickets for 18 runs in his four overs, effectively restricting the opposition. Captain A.N. Ahanger also bowled well, picking up 3 wickets for 24 runs, while Vishaavjeet Singh and Showkat Ahmad chipped in with a wicket each.

Greater Kashmir

Light snowfall shuts Gurez road

0
Light snowfall shuts Gurez road

Bandipora, Mar 15: The 85-km Bandipora-Gurez road was shut due amid inclement weather following light snowfall across higher reaches of the district, including Gurez Valley, on Sunday.

According to officials, low visibility and slippery conditions at Razdan Top, at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet, prompted authorities to act beforehand to avoid any eventuality due to the dangerous conditions the road poses.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate said, “The road is closed and will reopen once weather conditions improve.”

Meanwhile, residents of Gurez Valley said that the region, including Tulail, Dawar and Bagtore, was draped in a thin snow blanket, plunging temperatures further in the remote valley.

Notably, the Gurez–Bandipora road, which normally remains closed for months together, witnessed a closure of just over 20 days from January 23 to February 13.

It also recorded one of the quickest reopenings of the road in recent years by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which maintains the Gurez-Bandipora road.

Greater Kashmir

US urges citizens to leave Iraq immediately amid rising tensions

0
US urges citizens to leave Iraq immediately amid rising tensions

New Delhi, Mar 15: The United States has urged its citizens to leave Iraq immediately as security concerns intensify in the region. The US Embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran and allied militias pose a serious threat to public safety, citing past attacks on American citizens, interests and critical infrastructure, reports the BBC.

The embassy also advised Americans not to travel to the diplomatic compound in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil due to the continuing risk of rocket, drone and mortar attacks in Iraqi airspace. The warning comes a day after the embassy building was reportedly struck during an attack that sent thick smoke rising over the area.

In a separate development, US President Donald Trump said Iran had expressed interest in reaching a deal with Washington but added that the current terms were not acceptable. He indicated that any future agreement would require Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, reports the BBC. Trump also claimed that the US had “totally demolished” Kharg Island, a major hub for Iran’s oil exports, and suggested further strikes could follow. At the same time, he dismissed concerns about rising global oil prices, saying global supplies remain plentiful and disruptions would soon ease.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping, though vessels linked to Iran’s enemies would not be allowed to pass. He accused the United States of targeting civilian locations in Iran, an allegation Washington has denied. Araghchi also described Russia and China as Iran’s strategic partners amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The conflict has begun to affect the wider region. Kuwait reported that several hostile drones were detected, with two striking the Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base and injuring three members of the armed forces. Kuwait’s international airport also reported damage to its radar system following a separate drone attack.

In the United Arab Emirates, a strike hit the port of Fujairah, a key global oil storage and refuelling hub, causing a large fire. The crisis has also drawn international reactions. Switzerland refused two US requests to allow military overflights through its airspace, citing its long-standing neutrality laws that prohibit flights serving military purposes in ongoing conflicts.

Amid rising tensions in the region, Donald Trump urged countries dependent on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to help secure the vital maritime route that carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. According to the BBC, Trump said the United States would work with other nations to ensure the passage remains safe for global energy trade.

Responding to the developments, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said Britain was in discussions with allies and partners on “a range of options” to ensure the security of shipping in the region. China also called for restraint. A spokesperson for the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C. told CNN that China supports an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed that all parties share responsibility for maintaining a stable and uninterrupted global energy supply. The spokesperson did not indicate whether Beijing would support Trump’s proposal but said China would continue communication with relevant parties.

 

Greater Kashmir

Dr Karan Singh inaugurates 10-day exhibition at Kala Kendra Jammu

0
Dr Karan Singh inaugurates 10-day exhibition at Kala Kendra Jammu

Jammu, Mar 15: Former Union Minister Dr Karan Singh on Sunday inaugurated an art and photography exhibition, highlighting the memories of “Operation Sindoor” and floods 2025 at Kala Kendra.

The Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Brij Mohan Sharma, was the special guest on the occasion.

The exhibition has been jointly organised by the Amar Mahal Museum and Library and the Kala Kendra Jammu across all five galleries on the ground floor of Kala Kendra.

While inaugurating the exhibition, Dr Karan Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir immensely contributed to the art scene of the country. He lauded the role of artists and painters from the region in promoting the local ethos and cultural heritage at national and international levels.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incidents during “Operation Sindoor”, which resulted in the loss of lives, he said the devastating floods of 2025 were also a painful chapter in the region’s history. He appreciated the organisers for documenting and presenting the people’s pain and resilience through photographs.

Speaking on the occasion, Brij Mohan Sharma stated, “Dr Karan Singh, who celebrated his 95th birthday recently, is a living legend and a symbol of wisdom, dignity, and humanity. His lifelong commitment to culture, philosophy, and public service continues to inspire generations.”

He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Department of Culture for the preservation and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.

 

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Kala Kendra Jammu, stated that the ten-day exhibition showcased a rich collection of artworks, including miniature paintings, along with a photo exhibition documenting memories.”

Dr Jyotsana Singh mentioned that the exhibition coincided with the 4th edition of the Tawi Festival, currently being celebrated in Jammu. She stated that the exhibition presented a rare collection of artworks from the AMML and also featured photographs portraying the suffering and resilience of people during “Operation Sindoor” and the floods of 2025.

Renowned art historian Dr Lalit Gupta, who shared the presidium, stated that the exhibition featured rare and exceptional works by distinguished painters and urged Jammuites to visit and appreciate the diverse artistic expressions on display.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 23 at Kala Kendra, Jammu.

 

 

 

Greater Kashmir

West Asia situation, crude oil prices to drive stock market this week: Analysts

0
West Asia situation, crude oil prices to drive stock market this week: Analysts

New Delhi, Mar 15: Developments surrounding the ongoing conflict in West Asia and crude oil price movement will be the major factors driving trends in the equity market this week, analysts said.

Besides global trends, the US Fed interest rate decision and inflation data would also influence trading in markets, they added.

“This week is packed with several important developments and data releases, both domestically and globally. Geopolitical developments will remain the key factor to watch, as their impact on crude oil prices is likely to influence overall market direction.

“On the domestic front, market participants will closely track key macroeconomic indicators, such as WPI inflation, balance of trade data and foreign exchange reserves,” Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said.

Globally, investors will focus on the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) economic projections, he added.

Last week, the BSE benchmark Sensex tanked 4,354.98 points or 5.51 per cent, and the NSE Nifty dropped 1,299.35 points, or 5.31 per cent.

Indian equity markets ended the week under significant corrective pressure as global risk sentiment deteriorated amid rising crude oil prices, escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and persistent selling by foreign institutional investors, Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

Since February 27, the 30-share BSE benchmark has nosedived 6,723.27 points or 8.27 per cent.

 

Greater Kashmir

Teacher shortage hits academics in schools; Government clueless

0
Teacher shortage hits academics in schools; Government clueless

Srinagar, Mar 15: The new academic session this year again begun under the shadow of an old and persistent crisis—acute shortage of teaching staff in government schools, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.

Routine class work in secondary and higher secondary schools resumed in February last week after the winter break, while elementary-level classes started on March 9. However, instead of a smooth start to the academic year, several institutions are grappling with a severe deficiency of teachers, raising concerns about academic disruption.

Officials said most schools in rural areas continue to face a teacher shortage, while higher secondary schools—particularly in north Kashmir—are struggling with an acute dearth of lecturers and subject specific teachers. For the past few years, the department managed the situation by deputing subject-specific teachers from middle and primary schools to higher secondary schools as an academic arrangement. However, the arrangement was discontinued last year after the Joint Director of the School Education Department (SED) for north Kashmir ordered the repatriation of all such teachers to their original places of posting. The order, implemented only in north Kashmir districts, has aggravated the crisis in higher secondary schools since the resumption of classes after the winter vacation, this year. “The order issued by the Joint Director was initially resisted, but the principals of higher secondary schools were eventually forced to relieve these teachers to their original places of posting. Now the same institutions face a serious shortage of lecturers,” a senior official told Greater Kashmir. According to officials, the crisis is largely seen in higher secondary schools of north Kashmir districts while schools in other districts are witnessing a relatively smooth session. “The decision was implemented because several subject-specific teachers originally posted in nearby primary or middle schools had been deployed to higher secondary schools located far away. Many of them sought to return to their original postings,” the official said.

Despite the start of the new academic session, the School Education Department did not carry out any reshuffle of teaching staff. The exercise was usually done during the winter vacation to balance manpower across schools. Apart from higher secondary institutions, many rural schools also face a shortage of teachers, further straining the academic process. The issue was earlier raised in the Assembly by the MLA from Uri constituency who highlighted the acute staff shortage in schools across his constituency. He urged the department to ensure that teachers posted in the Uri area continue to serve there even after promotions. He argued that teachers from outside areas rarely opt for postings in remote regions like Uri. However, according to official data, more than 50 teachers originally from Uri are currently posted in Baramulla town and its adjoining areas. “We prepared a list of these teachers and submitted it to the MLA, which was later forwarded to the directorate as well. But nothing has been done so far,” an official said.

Earlier this year the issue of teacher deployment also triggered controversy in Bandipora district. The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora cancelled the deployment of teachers from Gurez who had been working in schools in Bandipora town and other areas. However, the CEO was suspended a day after he issued the order to cancel all deployments. Officials in school education department informally linked the suspension to the cancellation of the deployment orders. The government, however, remained tight-lipped over the reasons behind the action. As already reported, the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) earlier issued an academic planner and said that 2026 will year of academic excellence. But on the ground, the department has failed overcome the crisis owing to the teacher deficiency in schools.

 

Greater Kashmir

Govt starts receiving Padma award nominations for Republic Day 2027

0
Govt starts receiving Padma award nominations for Republic Day 2027

New Delhi, Mar 15: The nominations and recommendations for the Padma awards to be announced on Republic Day 2027 for people’s exceptional achievements and service began on Sunday.

The last date for filing the nominations is July 31, 2026, a government statement said.

“The nominations and recommendations for Padma Awards will only be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal it said.

The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country.

The awards are being announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year since their institution in 1954, to recognise “work of distinction”, it said.

These awards are given for distinguished and exceptional achievements and service in all fields and disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc, the government said.

“All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards,” it said.

The statement said the government is “committed” to transform Padma Awards into “people’s Padma”.

“All citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations/recommendations, including self-nomination. Concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognised from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs and STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to the society,” it said.

The nominations and recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the portal, clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements and service of the person recommended in her and his respective field and discipline, it said.

“Details in this regard are also available under the heading ‘Awards and Medals’ on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs ( and on the Padma Awards Portal ( it said.

The statutes and rules relating to these awards are also available on the website, the statement added.

Greater Kashmir

Chief Secretary takes stock of key land records digitization initiatives

0
Chief Secretary takes stock of key land records digitization initiatives

Jammu, Mar 15: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting on the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA), Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) and National Geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban Habitations (NAKSHA) here.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Shaleen Kabra; Secretary Revenue Department, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir divisions; and Deputy Commissioners who joined through video conferencing from their respective District Headquarters, and other concerned officers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary underscored the transformative potential of these land digitisation initiatives, drawing a parallel with some of India’s most successful digital revolutions. “These initiatives are going to revolutionise governance just like the success of UPI and other ambitious programmes like Agristack. We are witnessing a technological revolution and Jammu and Kashmir must be an active and leading part of it,” he observed.

Emphasising the direct public benefit of the ongoing digitisation drive, he noted that a great number of public grievances pertain to land-related issues and these will be resolved as the digitisation process reaches completion. “This is a great service to the masses. It will bring immense convenience to the public and usher in new arenas for development and governance,” the Chief Secretary said.

Speaking on the occasion the Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Commissioner, Revenue) Shaleen Kabra, highlighted the transformative potential of land records digitisation, describing it as a major step towards transparent, efficient and citizen-centric governance. He emphasized that the initiative will significantly improve accessibility, accuracy and reliability of land records, thereby reducing disputes and enhancing public trust in the revenue administration.

Stressing the importance of maintaining high standards, he underscored the need for rigorous quality checks at every stage of the process to ensure that the digitised records remain error-free and authentic. He called upon the concerned revenue officers down the line to exercise due diligence and accountability so that the digitisation exercise results in a robust, reliable and future-ready land records management system.

Presenting the progress made under DILRMP, the Administrative Secretary, Revenue, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan apprised the meeting that 98 percent of Khasras across the Union Territory have been digitised and approved, with 97 percent of villages completing the first-level freezing process.

Additionally he gave out that in over 5,401 grievance camps have been organised at the village level for public reading of Jamabandis, during which over 52,000 non-quasi judicial and more than 5,700 quasi judicial grievances have been recorded and are being addressed. Final freezing of the updated Jamabandis 2026 has been targeted for completion by 31st March this year.

Regarding ULPIN or Bhu-Aadhar, the meeting was apprised that over 20.56 lakh Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers have been generated for 3,320 villages so far. Under the digitisation of cadastral maps, 6,518 out of 6,857 villages, accounting for 95.2 percent, have been geo-referenced.

Moreover it was divulged 7.28 crore revenue documents including Jamabandis, Mutations and Girdawari records have been scanned and uploaded on the Land Records Information System (LRIS). The NAKSHA programme for creation of land records in urban habitations is also progressing, with aerial survey, ORI generation and ground truthing completed for Bishnah.

The Chief Secretary acknowledged the significant ground covered but maintained that the remaining targets are well within reach. “We have covered a lot of ground and progressed greatly. We have just so much more to finish, but the targets are achievable,” he said, adding that many states are already leading in these endeavours and J&K must keep pace.

He gave several specific directions for resolution of deadlocks and tough situations being encountered during the digitisation process. He called for strict adherence to rules at every step, cautioning officers to avoid complications and focus on weeding out illegal mutations. “We have to take every step based on rules. Let us put in concerted efforts to weed out illegal mutations and purify revenue records,” he directed.

The Chief Secretary asked the Divisional Commissioners to personally monitor progress under each component and actively guide the Deputy Commissioners for effective on-ground implementation. Specific timeline-based targets were assigned to all districts for completion of pending milestones.

Greater Kashmir

NC MLAs urge J&K LG to withdraw cases against youths detained during protests over Khamenei’s killing

0
NC MLAs urge J&K LG to withdraw cases against youths detained during protests over Khamenei’s killing

Srinagar, Mar 15: A four-member delegation of the ruling National Conference MLAs called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here on Sunday to seek withdrawal of cases against youths arrested during the recent protests in the Valley over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The delegation comprised MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz Bedar, and MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the L-G, Sadiq told reporters that the delegation raised the issue of the arrest of youth and registration of cases against them.

“When our leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei was martyred, spontaneous protests took place on the streets. In view of that, several FIRs were filed at different police stations, whether in the Chadoora area, Patan, Budgam, Sonawari or in the Zaidibal area,” he said.

Sadiq, who is also the chief spokesperson of the NC, said youths were expressing their anger and grief through the protest, which resulted in registration of FIRs against many of them.

“So, we met his excellency, the LG, and requested him that all such FIRs be withdrawn because they were youngsters and only wanted to express their grief,” he added.

The NC MLA said the delegation is grateful to the LG for listening to it very patiently and assuring it that he would review the matter.

“He assured us that he will review the cases of those youngsters who are currently in jail or have FIRs registered against them and take some action,” Zadibal added.

Greater Kashmir

Election Commission announces Assembly Poll dates for 4 states, UT; counting on May 4

0
Election Commission announces Assembly Poll dates for 4 states, UT; counting on May 4

New Delhi, Mar 15: The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Assembly polls for Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. As per the announcement, the assembly elections will commence from April 9.

Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9 in a single phase.

While in West Bengal, the first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29.

Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23 in a single phase.

Counting of votes for all five states and UTs is scheduled for May 4.

Addressing a press conferences in the national capital today, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar termed the assembly polls a “festival of pride” and urged first-time voters to participate enthusiastically.

The CEC made a special appeal to young and first-time voters, saying, “My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation.

Furthermore, Special intensive revision of the voters’ lists in these four states and one union territory has already been conducted, with final electoral rolls published.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had on March 10 visited West Bengal to review poll preparedness in the state. They had also visited the other states which are heading into polls to review poll preparedness.

The total number of seats in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly is 294, with the main contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, has been in power in the state since 2011.

Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for 126 state assembly seats.

In Kerala, the main fight is between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for 140 seats of the Legislative Assembly. Meanwhile, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also in the fray to compete against both alliances. BJP plans to contest around 100 seats in Kerala, while its allies Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) and Twenty20 are expected to contest the remaining 40 seats as part of the alliance.

For the 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, political parties are ramping up their campaign activities and finalising seat-sharing arrangements within their respective alliances.

Puducherry will hold elections for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly. While the Congress is fighting the polls in an alliance with DMK and CPI, the opposition consisted of All India NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK.

The Election Commission of India reviewed poll preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Pudducherry previously this month.

According to a release, the Election Commission appointed Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.

Greater Kashmir

- Advertisement -
Google search engine

Recent Posts