Srinagar, Sept 08: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday launched a search operation across the country in connection with case RC-1/2025/NIA/CHE.

According to officials, simultaneous raids are underway at 22 locations spread across five states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation is being carried out with assistance from local police and paramilitary forces.

The case pertains to ongoing investigations into suspected terror links and activities impacting national security. However, details about the specific nature of the case and identities of those under the scanner have not yet been made public.

“NIA teams are currently on the ground. Further details will be shared once the searches are completed,” an official source said.

In Jammu and Kashmir, news agency KNT said that searches are being conducted at the residence of Umer Rashid Lone in Sangam village of Pattan area in Baramulla district.

The agency has stepped up its operations in recent months as part of a broader crackdown on terror financing and networks operating within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Sep 7: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged scientists and experts on Sunday to develop an advanced early warning system for flash floods.

Addressing the inaugural session of the conference on ‘Nanotechnology for Better Living (NBL-2025)’ at the University of Kashmir (KU), LG Sinha exhorted the scientists and experts to establish a group that could help in developing an advanced early warning system for flash floods by making more sensitive and accurate sensors through nanotechnology.

“Keeping in mind the challenges of climate change, we should focus on creating nano-materials that can reduce pollution in chemical manufacturing,” he said in his keynote address.

“We must also explore the new possibilities to develop soil sensors specifically for the Himalayan regions,” the LG said. “These sensors will be part of an advanced early warning system that can warn about the dangers of landslides in advance based on changes in soil saturation.”

He said these projects would prove to be game changers in preventing loss due to natural disasters for the Himalayan region of India in the future.

The five-day mega event, organised by KU in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, has brought together leading scientists and researchers to showcase recent advancements in nanotechnology and its applications for sustainable living.

LG Sinha spoke about the advancements and breakthroughs in nanotechnology that are reshaping lives and the work environment, ensuring an easier way of living.

“Today, evolution in nano-science and nanotechnology is having a transformative impact across various sectors,” he said. “The cutting-edge research in the future will address critical global challenges in industries, healthcare, and the environment.”

The LG said that there was not a single area of global socio-economic development that did not bear the signature of nanotechnology in some form or the other.

“In the years to come, this will become more prominent as we script the new advancements in technology,” he said.

LG Sinha called on the scientists and experts associated with nanotechnology to make their significant contributions in the defense sector, particularly in manufacturing the lighter components of defense equipment.

“Nanotechnology experts and scientists should join this effort and strengthen the self-reliance campaign in the defense sector,” he said.

The LG called for devising a plan to incentivise talents in nano-technology in academic institutions.

“Our focus should be on developing and using nanotechnology for the benefit of humanity,” he said.  “We simply cannot ignore the daunting challenges of climate change that confront us.”

LG Sinha said, “Our inventions and initiatives show how quickly we are leading various areas of nanotechnology. In the future, new innovations in nano-scale transistors, nano-particles, nano materials, and nano-scale additives in energy, environment, food, agriculture, and electronics will be very important for the welfare of humanity. I hope that the benefits of these technologies will reach the common man.”

He also released an abstract book on the 5-day conference.

Vice Chancellor KU, Prof Nilofer Khan; Dean Academics, BRIC-InStem, Bangalore, Prof Praveen K Vemula; scientist from IIT Kanpur, Prof Ashok Kumar; Head, Department of Nanotechnology, KU, and organising chair of the conference, Prof Rabia Hamid were present on the occasion.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg; DIG Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Pandey; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; SSP Srinagar, G V Sundeep Chakravarthy; Registrar KU, Prof Naseer Iqbal, also attended the inaugural ceremony.

Kupwara, Sep 7: Residents of Machil Valley, located in the snowbound region of Kupwara, have once again raised their voice for urgent infrastructure development to ease the harsh isolation they face during the winter months. With heavy snowfall cutting them off from the district headquarters for several months, the residents are calling on the government to build a tunnel similar to the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg.

“Every year, when the snow sets in, we are completely cut off from the rest of the world. Simple tasks become monumental challenges,” one local resident lamented.

The struggle intensifies when medical emergencies arise, forcing families to carry patients by foot over long distances to reach Z-Gali, the nearest road access point. From there, they have to board a vehicle to the nearest hospital, adding hours to what could be a life-or-death situation.

The residents believe a tunnel, no more than 2-3 kilometers long, could permanently solve this issue and restore connectivity to Machil Valley, ensuring they can access to vital services round the year.

“A tunnel would make all the difference. It would ease our suffering, especially during medical emergencies, and bring us closer to the services that others take for granted,” said Habibullah, former sarpanch of the area. Beyond healthcare, the education system has also taken a hit. Due to the prolonged isolation, school children in the Machil valley face significant academic setbacks, with schools being closed for months at a time. “Our children’s futures are in dark because of the hardships caused by snow. A tunnel would give them the education they deserve and put an end to the cycle of disruption,” a concerned parent added.

With hopes pinned on the Prime Minister’s vision of supporting underprivileged communities, residents are optimistic that Machil Valley’s struggle will not go unheard. “The Prime Minister has already done so much for the welfare of our people. We are confident that he will respond to our plea as well,” the residents remarked.