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Dubai drone attack delays return of 80 Indian students from Iran

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Dubai drone attack delays return of 80 Indian students from Iran

Srinagar, Mar 16: The return of around 80 Indian students stranded in Iran was delayed on Monday after their connecting flight from Dubai to Delhi was held up following a drone attack that disrupted flight operations in the Emirati city.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said that while the students successfully completed the first leg of their journey from Armenia to Dubai, the onward Flydubai flight (FZ441) to the national capital has been delayed.

“The aircraft is currently in Dubai and has not yet departed for Delhi. The flight was earlier scheduled to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, at 9:55 AM this morning,” the association said.

According to the JKSA, the delay was caused by a drone attack in Dubai, which has temporarily affected flight schedules.

Notably, the first batch of over 70 Indian students—the majority of them from Jammu and Kashmir—along with several pilgrims, arrived safely at the Delhi airport on Sunday as part of the initial phase of the evacuation process from the war-torn region. (KNS)

Greater Kashmir

Rupee falls 13 paise to 92.43 against US dollar

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Rupee falls 13 paise to 92.43 against US dollar

Mumbai, Mar 16: The rupee stayed weak and lost 13 paise to 92.43 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday, weighed down by massive withdrawal of foreign funds and surging crude oil prices amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Volatile sentiment in domestic equity markets further dragged the currency down even as the greenback retreated from higher levels, according to forex traders.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 92.44 and stayed close to its lowest-ever intra-day level, trading at 92.43 against the greenback, registering a loss of 13 paise from its previous close.

In the preceding session on Friday, the rupee hit its lowest intra-day level of 92.47 before ending at its record closing low of 92.30 against the dollar.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.13 per cent lower at 99.98.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 1.03 per cent at USD 104.22 per barrel in futures trade.

On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex rose 139.28 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 74,703.20, while the Nifty went up 51.10 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 23,202.20.

Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 10,716.64 crore on a net basis on Friday, according to exchange data.

The country’s forex reserves dropped by USD 11.683 billion to USD 716.810 billion during the week ended March 6, the RBI data showed on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had increased by USD 4.885 billion to an all-time high of USD 728.494 billion.

Greater Kashmir

Srinagar-Jammu NH open

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Srinagar-Jammu NH open

Ramban, Ma 15: Despite a spell of rainfall, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open on Sunday for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles.

However, traffic movement remained slow at several stretches due to single-lane sections and ongoing four-laning construction work between Ramban and Banihal.

According to traffic authorities, the highway is likely to remain open on Monday as well, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, for the movement of LMVs and heavy vehicles.

Officials said vehicular movement was particularly slow between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather, where narrow road stretches and ongoing construction activities in the Ramban-Banihal sector have created bottlenecks.

Temporary congestion was also reported after a few heavy vehicles broke down along the route.

Despite these challenges, hundreds of private cars and passenger vehicles travelled in both directions throughout the day while load carriers continued to move steadily along the highway.

The Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory stating that, weather and road conditions permitting, vehicles would continue to ply from both sides towards Srinagar and Jammu on Monday.

Authorities have advised passengers and LMV operators to undertake travel only during daytime hours. Night travel has been discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work in the Ramban-Banihal stretch.

Commuters have also been urged to confirm the latest road status with Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before starting their journey on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities said that National Highway 244, which connects Kishtwar with Sinthan Top and Anantnag, has been temporarily closed for vehicular movement due to fresh snowfall.

 

 

 

 

Greater Kashmir

Jammu Panthers, Jammu Tigers storm into final

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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