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Jammu IGP calls for intelligence-driven operations, strong counter-terrorism measures in Doda

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Jammu IGP calls for intelligence-driven operations, strong counter-terrorism measures in Doda

Jammu, Feb 24: The Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, on Tuesday conducted a security review of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district and underscored the need for intelligence-driven operations and a robust counter-terrorism posture to prevent any disruption of peace and public order.

The IGP, along with Deputy Inspector General Shridhar Patil, on Monday chaired a comprehensive crime review and security assessment meeting in Doda to evaluate the prevailing law and order situation, crime trends and the overall security grid in the district, officials said.

Reviewing the security framework, the IGP assessed the functioning of the security grid and stressed the need to strengthen inter-agency coordination, intensify night patrolling and ensure effective area domination in vulnerable and sensitive areas.

The IGP also directed strict enforcement against drug trafficking, bovine smuggling and organised crime, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy.

He laid emphasis on public outreach initiatives, community policing and strengthening police-public relations to enhance trust and cooperation.

Commending the efforts of police, the IGP urged officers to continue working with professionalism, integrity and commitment to ensure safety and security across the district.

SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta presented a detailed PowerPoint briefing on the district’s crime profile and security scenario.

A thorough review was conducted of pending cases, disposal rates, NDPS and UAPA cases, and other heinous offences. Directions were issued to expedite investigations, improve conviction rates and maintain close surveillance over anti-social and anti-national elements, they said.

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PSAJK holds 6-day workshop for implementation of NEP-2020 in private schools

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PSAJK holds 6-day workshop for implementation of NEP-2020 in private schools

Srinagar, Feb 24: Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) organised a six-day workshop for implementation of National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 in private schools.

The workshop focused on the teaching-learning process as per NEP 2020 and teachers were trained about how to use experiential learning of the child besides focusing on conceptual learning and learning outcomes in classroom situations. The teachers were equipped with new skills and new techniques of assessment for children reading at different classes.

Participating teachers were made aware about various lesson planning methods and how to handle different children in the classroom.

“The teachers were taught how to conduct child profiling, which will help the teacher to understand the child,” a handout reads. The participants were enthusiastic to know new techniques of teaching. On the concluding ceremony of the workshop, the participants were awarded certificates.

President PSAJK, Nazrul Islam Baba distributed certificates in the presence of the experts who gave training to the teachers. Those present at the occasion were, former CEO Mohammad Amin Beigh, former lecturer Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, former HoD DIET Hilal Ahmad. The program ended with a vote of thanks presented by Majid Bhat.

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Rajnath hails cabinet approval of Srinagar airport expansion

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Rajnath hails cabinet approval of Srinagar airport expansion

Srinagar, Feb 24: The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hailed cabinet approval of the development of civil enclave at the Srinagar International Airport for an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore, and termed it a “landmark step for Jammu and Kashmir”.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh said: “Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi’s unwavering focus on infrastructure-led growth continues to transform aspirations into reality. The Cabinet’s approval for the major expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport is a landmark step for Jammu & Kashmir. This significant upgrade will enhance passenger capacity, modernise aviation facilities, and strengthen connectivity in the Valley”.

“Grateful to Prime Minister Modi for his visionary leadership in ushering in a new era of connectivity, confidence and development for Jammu & Kashmir,” Singh added on X.

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ANTF Kashmir apprehends two Punjab-based drug peddlers, 79 grams of heroin recovered

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ANTF Kashmir apprehends two Punjab-based drug peddlers, 79 grams of heroin recovered

Srinagar, Feb 24: In a continued and sustained drive against narcotics trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Kashmir has achieved yet another significant success by apprehending two Punjab-based drug peddlers in separate operations conducted in district Srinagar and district Budgam, leading to the recovery of 79 grams of heroin.

According to the statement, in the first operation, acting on credible and specific intelligence, ANTF Kashmir apprehended one Punjab-based drug peddler namely Ajay Kumar, son of Joginder, resident of Village Mustafabad Jattan Gurdaspur Punjab from the Gangbugh area of district Srinagar. During the search, 42 grams of heroin were recovered from his possession. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had procured the contraband substance from Punjab and intended to distribute the same in the Gangbugh area.

In this regard, FIR No. 02/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

In another successful operation, ANTF Kashmir apprehended another Punjab-based drug peddler namely Jhon Masih, son of Balwinder Masih, resident of Mustafabad Jatin Gurdaspur Punjab in district Budgam and recovered 37 grams of heroin from his possession. Consequently, FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

Both operations were carried out based on specific intelligence inputs developed by ANTF Kashmir regarding the involvement of the accused persons in inter-state narcotics trafficking. The accused individuals have been taken into custody. Further investigation is underway to uncover the forward and backward linkages of the drug supply chain and to identify other individuals involved in the illicit trade.

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force, J&K reiterated its firm commitment to intensify its crackdown against drug smuggling and dismantle the networks operating behind the narcotics trade. ANTF J&K remained resolute in its mission to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.

The general public is urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share any credible information related to drug trafficking to help safeguard the youth and ensure a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir, the statement reads.

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India-US joint special forces exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ to be conducted in Himachal Pradesh

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India-US joint special forces exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ to be conducted in Himachal Pradesh

New Delhi, Feb 24: The US Army contingent has arrived in India to participate in the 16th edition of the India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR, scheduled to be conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 24 February to 16 March 2026. The previous edition of the exercise was held at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA in November 2024.

The Indian Army contingent, represented by Special Forces units, comprises 45 personnel, while the United States will be represented by 12 personnel from the Green Berets of the US Special Forces.

The aim of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is to promote military cooperation between India and the United States through enhanced interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise is designed to strengthen combined capabilities for conducting joint Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain.

The training will focus on a high degree of physical conditioning, joint mission planning and the execution of joint tactical drills. Participating troops will share best practices and operational experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and special operations tactics, techniques and procedures.

The exercise is expected to further deepen interoperability, mutual trust and professional camaraderie between the Special Forces of both nations, reinforcing the growing defence partnership between India and the United States.

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DGP Nalin Prabhat calls for relentless operations against Pak terrorists

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DGP Nalin Prabhat calls for relentless operations against Pak terrorists

Srinagar, Feb 24: Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat, on Tuesday called for consequent relentless operations against Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed these remarks during a high-level security review meeting in north Kashmir’s Bandipora.

The DGP was accompanied by Special Director General (Coordination) Syed Javed Mujtaba Geelani and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdi. Senior officers briefed him on the prevailing security situation, counter-terror strategies, and measures being undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the district.

During the review meeting, the DGP stressed the need for generating precise and actionable intelligence and conducting sustained, relentless operations to neutralise Pakistani terrorists and dismantle their support networks.

He also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts, community engagement, and proactive policing to thwart any attempts aimed at disturbing peace in the region.

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CM Omar urges students in Iran not to take fresh advisory for granted; return home

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CM Omar urges students in Iran not to take fresh advisory for granted; return home

Ganderbal, Feb 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged Indian students from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently in Iran not to take the fresh advisory by the Indian Embassy for granted and return home without delay.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah said the advisory makes it imperative for students to depart immediately before any further restrictions or closure of airspace impede their ability to return. “I want to tell the students of Jammu and Kashmir don’t take this advisory for granted. Otherwise, tomorrow when the airspace is closed, their parents and families will raise concerns and panic, adding that later it gets difficult for us as well in such circumstances,” Omar said.

He requested the students and Indian nationals in Iran to book their tickets and come out of Iran, adding that when the situation will become peaceful again they should return later.

Notably, the advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, issued on February 23, 2026, advises Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to depart Iran using any available mode of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving security situation.

On the issue of alleged harassment of students from Kashmir in CT University Punjab, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he will take up the issue with the chief minister of Punjab and assure no students are harassed forthwith. Omar however said that the government of Punjab has always supported Jammu and Kashmir and with assurance I can say that the Punjab government would in no way had said this to the university but this might be something within the university and it will be looked into.

Earlier, Chief Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated key development projects in Ganderbal constituency involving a total investment of Rs 84.41 crore. This will strengthen urban infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, roads and public services across the constituency.

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Cabinet clears development of civil enclave at Srinagar airport for Rs 1,677 crore

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Cabinet clears development of civil enclave at Srinagar airport for Rs 1,677 crore

New Delhi, Feb 24: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved the development of the civil enclave at the Srinagar airport for an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore.

The civil enclave project will be spread across 73.18 acres, and the new terminal building will come up in 71,500 square meters, according to an official release.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval for the project at a briefing post the Cabinet meeting in the national capital.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 1,677 crore, and the terminal building will be designed to handle 2,900 passengers during peak hours with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers per annum.

The government also said the project is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate investments.

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Union Cabinet approves change of name of Kerala to Keralam: Sources

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Union Cabinet approves change of name of Kerala to Keralam: Sources

New Delhi, Feb 24: The Union Cabinet is understood to have approved on Tuesday the Kerala government’s proposal to change the name of the state to Keralam, sources privy to the development said.

The move came ahead of the Kerala assembly elections expected to be held in April-May.

The Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024, had unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to officially change the state’s name to Keralam.

Following the assembly resolution, the Union cabinet, in a meeting held on Tuesday, is believed to have approved the state’s name change from Kerala to Keralam, sources said.

It was the first cabinet meeting held at the recently inaugurated Seva Teerth, the new PMO building.

The Kerala Assembly had passed the resolution for the second time because the Ministry of Home Affairs, which reviewed the first resolution, suggested some technical changes.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had moved the resolution, wanted the union government to change the southern state’s name from Kerala to Keralam in all languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Moving the resolution, the chief minister had said the state was called ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam and that the demand to form a united Kerala for the Malayalam-speaking communities had strongly emerged since the time of the national freedom struggle.

But the name of the state is written as Kerala in the First Schedule of the Constitution, he had said.

This Assembly requests the Centre to take immediate steps to amend it as Keralam under Article 3 of the Constitution and have it renamed as Keralam in all the languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Vijayan had said.

The House had passed a similar unanimous resolution in August 2023 and submitted it to the Centre, but the MHA suggested some technical changes in it.

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Over 1,000 doctor posts vacant; 480 posts referred to JKPSC

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Over 1,000 doctor posts vacant; 480 posts referred to JKPSC

Jammu, Feb 24: More than 1,000 posts of doctors are currently vacant across Jammu and Kashmir, according to figures shared by the Health and Medical Education Department.

Kashmir division accounts for 797 of these vacancies — comprising 24 senior consultants, 253 consultants, 458 medical officers and 62 dental surgeons — while Jammu division has 288 vacant consultant posts as on February 2026.

“The districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are not facing an acute shortage of specialists…In order to overcome shortage of doctors in peripheral and remote areas, the government has recently referred 480 posts of medical officers to the J-K Public Service Commission for selection of suitable candidate,” the medical and health department said.

It said the department is monitoring issues related to the referral of direct recruitment vacancies as well as the filling up of promotion-quota posts on a priority basis, and necessary steps for filling up these vacancies have been taken from time to time.

After completion of the selection process of medical officers, the newly selected doctors shall be posted to far-flung and under-served areas and health institutions facing shortage of staff, as per requirement and policy in vogue, the department said.

It said the government is cognizant of the need to strengthen specialist services at peripheral hospitals.

Several remedial measures have already been initiated, including rationalisation and redeployment of available specialist manpower, engagement of specialists on contractual basis, utilisation of National Health Mission (NHM) and other centrally sponsored schemes for hiring of specialists, tele-medicine and e-Sanjeevani services for expert consultations, the department said.

These steps are expected to substantially reduce avoidable referrals and improve access to specialist healthcare at the peripheral level.

With the establishment of seven new Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, the department said the referral load to GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar has reduced considerably as major specialist services are now being provided in these newly established institutions.

In addition, consultants and medical officers posted at Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are actively delivering services at the peripheral level, thereby minimising routine referrals.

These measures have significantly strengthened the availability of specialist care within the districts and contributed to reducing unnecessary patient transfers to the tertiary hospitals at Jammu and Srinagar, the department said.

Referrals are made to GMC Jammu/Srinagar only in extreme emergencies.

On the paramedical front, the department said 292 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from the Directorate of Family Welfare, Maternity and Child Health (MCH), and Immunization have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) for recruitment, which stands advertised for making selection of suitable candidates.

Also 290 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu have also been referred to the J&KSSB for recruitment.

Besides 608 posts of Directorate of Health Services, Jammu are also in the

process of referral to JKSSB for recruitment, after having concurrence of Finance Department, the department said.

Furthermore, it said 802 non-gazetted, Multi-tasking staff vacancies and sanitation worker posts pertaining to Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir are under examination in the department for further referral to JKSSB. These posts shall be referred after having concurrence of Finance Department.

Greater Kashmir

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