Srinagar, Nov 13: Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST Kashmir conducted one day training-cum- free Seed distribution programme under HADP Project No. 1 “Development of seed and seed multiplication chain in PPP mode” The Programme was held at Salamabad, Uri wherein 70 farmers were benefitted with seed of Wheat var Shalimar Wheat 3 an improved variety suitable for these areas.

The programme was coordinated by Prof Mohd Ashraf Bhat ADR, DARS Rangreth, Prof N S Khuroo and Dr. Zahida Rashid in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and Farmers welfare (AEO Zone Uri, Baramulla).

Event began with a warm welcome by Imran Bashir AEO , Uri and was followed by a lecture by Dr Zahida Rashid who acquianted farmers regarding an input distribution-cum-awareness should focus on educating farmers about the optimal sowing dates, seed handling, fertilizer timing, and disease management practices to maximize yield and resource use efficiency, said an official press release.

Prof Mohd Ashraf Bhat, ADR DARS, Rangreth emphasised in increasing Seed and Variety Replacement Rate to safeguard higher production of crops to sustain economic growth of J&K. He acquainted farmers about input distribution cum awareness programme on wheat.

The programme aim to raise awareness about recommended wheat varieties and efficient production practices to enhance wheat productivity in the region. Prof N S Khuroo briefed farmers about efforts put by SKUAST K team to make rice wheat rotation a possible step. The role of officials from Department of Agriculture and farmers welfare was highly appreciated by Associate Director Research, DARS SKUAST Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Bhat regarding their efforts to augmenting conduct of various Training Programmes aimed at to sustain agri livelihood.

New Delhi, Nov 13: J&K Bank on Thursday said the Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of S Krishnan as part-time chairman of the Bank.

His appointment is effective from November 13, 2025 till March 26, 2028, J&K Bank said in a regulatory filing.

The bank’s board had in August approved his appointment, it said.

Krishnan, currently an independent director on the board of Srinagar-headquartered bank, served as MD & CEO of state-owned Punjab & Sind Bank.

Subsequent to superannuation and pursuant to the approval of the appointment by the RBI, Krishnan took charge as MD & CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank in September 2022.

New Delhi, Nov 13: Gold prices surged Rs 3,000 to Rs 1,30,900 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday tracking firm global cues and weak dollar, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

Traders said the end of US government’s shutdown also supported the appeal of the safe-haven asset.

The precious metal of 99.5 per cent purity extended its gains for the third straight day, jumping Rs 3,000 to Rs 1,30,300 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Wednesday’s closing of Rs 1,27,300 per 10 grams.

In the local bullion market, gold of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,27,900 per 10 grams in the previous market session.

Silver prices skyrocketed Rs 7,700 to Rs 1,69,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) on Thursday. The white metal had settled at Rs 1,61,300 per kg, up Rs 5,540 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.20 per cent lower at 99.30, after the Trump administration passed the bill to end a 43-day record government shutdown, lending support to the bullion prices.

In the international markets, spot gold rose USD 41.19, or 0.98 per cent, to USD 4,236.84 an ounce.

“Bullion extended its gains on Thursday, supported by a soft US dollar and growing expectations for more rate cuts following weaker macroeconomic data from the world’s largest economy.

“Additionally, the Federal Reserve is likely to inject more money into the system to address a partial liquidity drain caused by the shutdown, which also impacted positively precious metals,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst — Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

Spot silver was trading 1.13 per cent higher at USD 53.86 per ounce in overseas trade.

“Silver has rebounded strongly this week, gaining more than 10 per cent so far. This surge is driven by several bullish factors, including expectations for rate cuts, supply concerns, robust industrial and investment demand, and strong technical momentum,” Gandhi added.

The US Department of the Interior added silver to its “critical minerals” list, and highlighted its importance to the economy and national security.

“The market is now awaiting a flurry of official data after the US government ends the longest shutdown in its history. The official data eliminates the market’s dependence on private data, offering clarity about the US economy’s health and dispelling uncertainty about future rate decisions,” he said.

Sandip Raichura, CEO, Retail Broking & Distribution and Director at PL Capital, said global tensions have reduced and there could be more headwinds as US deals with India and other major nations that can cap bullion prices.