Facebook Instagram Twitter
Facebook Instagram Twitter
Monday, May 25, 2026
Home Blog Page 6

Javed Rana reviews implementation of Forest Rights Act in J&K

By
JKN Author
-
0
Javed Rana reviews implementation of Forest Rights Act in J&K

Srinagar, May 23: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana chaired an exhaustive meeting to review implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister took a comprehensive review of the status of claims filed under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), functioning of various committees constituted under the Act and measures being taken for safeguarding the rights of tribal communities, as per an official press release.

Emphasising the need for greater public outreach, the Minister directed the concerned officers to intensify awareness campaigns among tribal communities regarding the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He said that the eligible beneficiaries must be made fully aware of their legal and constitutional rights so that they can avail the benefits guaranteed under the law.

The Minister also reviewed the nomination of members to Block, District and UT-level committees constituted under the Act. He stressed the need for timely nomination and effective functioning of these committees to ensure prompt disposal of claims and transparent implementation of the Act.

During the meeting, the Minister directed that all unattended claims be examined on priority and due action be taken strictly in accordance with the provisions of law. He reiterated that the objective of the Act is to protect the legitimate rights of forest dwellers and ensure justice to tribal communities.

The meeting was informed that Forest Rights Committees have largely been constituted across the Union Territory and the implementation process is underway in different districts.

The Minister further directed that any step regarding eviction, wherever required, must strictly follow due procedures established under law and in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. He said that the rights and dignity of tribal communities must be protected at all costs. “The basic rights of tribal communities cannot be snatched and every action must remain within the framework of law and justice,” the Minister asserted while reiterating the government’s commitment towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department; Director, Tribal Affairs J&K; Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu; Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; and Director Tribal Research Institute, J&K and other senior officers.

Greater Kashmir

NCC Cadets must lead fight against drugs: Satish Sharma

By
JKN Author
-
0
NCC Cadets must lead fight against drugs: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, May 23: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma on Saturday said that National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets must become “soldiers” in the fight against drug abuse.

Addressing NCC cadets during the Special National Integration Camp (SNIC) at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Sharma said that narcotics was a “weapon” being used to destroy the country’s youth from within. “Drug menace is posing one of the gravest threats to society, particularly in border regions. The poison of drugs is being used as a weapon not fired from a gun, but one that destroys from within,” he said.

He said that drugs corrode potential, breaks families and robs the nation of its most precious resource, its youth. He urged the NCC cadets to take a stand against narcotics, saying that cadet must “refuse it, resist it and report it.” “A nation’s greatest enemy is not always across the borders. Sometimes it is the one that creeps silently into our homes,” he said. The minister also highlighted the role of NCC in fostering discipline, integrity, leadership and national unity among youth. He described the cadets as the “true face of India and said the camp reflected the country’s diversity and collective spirit. “You come from different regions, different cultures and backgrounds, yet you stand together in one uniform with one purpose and one heartbeat. This is the power of NCC and the strength of India,” he said. Recalling some incidents of his personal life, Satish Sharma said he is the son of a soldier and had grown up witnessing the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel. “I have seen firsthand the silent courage behind every farewell at the doorstep and the deep love for the tricolour that defines a soldier’s soul,” he said.

The minister also praised the NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for organising the camp and lauded the cadets for showcasing India’s cultural diversity through performances during the event. “Every dance, every song and every performance is a thread in the rich tapestry of our civilisation,” he said.

He further said that an NCC Unity Run scheduled on Sunday at Nishat Garden along the banks of Dal Lake will act as a “powerful symbol of India’s youthful energy and determination.” He also talked about perseverance and discipline while recounting episodes from his childhood in a border area affected by shelling and his struggles before entering politics. “Youth must remain resilient despite hardships and never give up in life. The real courage today is saying no, firmly and fearlessly,” he said Minister for Sports also made several announcements related to development and employment in J&K and claimed that the government was working on bringing IPL matches to the J&K UT within the next 14 months. He further said two IT parks were being planned in J&K, which, according to him, would generate employment opportunities for around 50,000 people. The minister also referred to plans for a cruise transport system to address traffic congestion in the region. During his speech, Satish Sharma turned poetic and recited couplets while urging cadets to stay strong and disciplined in the face of challenges. “This century belongs to our country,” he said.

Greater Kashmir

Diplomatic tour aimed at ensuring employment, global exposure for India’s youth: PM Modi

By
JKN Author
-
0
Diplomatic tour aimed at ensuring employment, global exposure for India’s youth: PM Modi

Jammu, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that his recent diplomatic tour, spanning five countries, and agreements forged there aimed at creating employment opportunities and global exposure for India’s youth.

PM Modi stated that India’s “international partnerships were purposefully structured to serve its youth.”

He was addressing the gathering via video-conferencing during 19th Rozgar Mela where distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in various government departments and organisations. Among 51,000 new recruits, who were handed over appointment letters by the Prime Minister through digital mode across the country, also included 229 J&K youth.

These J&K youth selected, through a transparent process from J&K, for appointment in the Ministries of Railways, Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services and other central government departments were handed over their appointment letters physically in a function held at the Convention Centre, Jammu, following the PM’s address.

The event was hosted by Jammu Railway Division, as a part of “PM’s Rozgar Mela”- the Government of India’s nationwide employment generation campaign.

Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu, Vivek Kumar, who was the chief guest and Chairman, Railway Recruitment Board, Jammu, Sanjay Tyagi distributed appointment letters among the new recruits.

Earlier, in his address, delineating the significance of Rozgar Mela (employment fair), the Prime Minister maintained it reflected his government’s commitment to empowering the “Yuva Shakti with new opportunities.”

Extending his heartfelt congratulations to each selected candidate, PM Modi also offered his best wishes to the families and parents whose support had been indispensable along the way.

Pivoting to address the new appointees directly, the Prime Minister reminded them that the true strength of any institution lies in its people, and that the system they are joining is intimately and directly connected to the lives of crores of citizens. “In whichever department you serve, your behaviour, empathy, and way of working will be of immense significance,” noted PM Modi.

Affirming the nation’s trust in the new appointees, the Prime Minister called upon every young “Karmayogi” to view their position as a living responsibility, to understand the growing aspirations of India’s people and to align their work accordingly. He asked them to commit to lifelong learning and continuous adaptation to new technologies, systems, and evolving needs. He asserted that Viksit Bharat would be built through the efforts of youth who considered their work a means of serving the nation.

He exuded confidence that the new appointees would impart fresh momentum to India’s development journey, and that through their work and decisions, the resolve of Viksit Bharat would be fulfilled.

Sharing insights from a just-concluded diplomatic tour spanning five countries, the Prime Minister stated that the world wanted to be a part of India’s development journey. Elaborating on the diplomatic and economic outcomes of the tour, the Prime Minister outlined sector-specific agreements forged and dialogues held with each nation visited. He made it clear that the purpose of partnerships and agreements was that India’s youth should get employment and global exposure.

The Prime Minister emphasised that every new investment, every technology partnership, and every industrial collaboration ultimately creates fresh opportunities for India’s young people. He further underlined the long-range significance of these collaborations. “These are the sectors that will shape industries defining global growth for the next 25 years,” asserted PM Modi.

Noting that each new partnership simultaneously widens global connectivity for Indian startups, researchers, and young professionals, he reflected on a world that respects nations which innovate, build, and deliver at scale.

He expressed pride that India was advancing on all three fronts. “The greatest force behind this transformation is India’s youth, all of you,” affirmed PM Modi. Declaring that the opportunities available to India’s youth across manufacturing, technology, startups, digital services, railways, defence, and space were unprecedented in the country’s history, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the maximum number of young people could seize these opportunities and fully showcase their talent.

In his address, Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar said, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are immensely talented. Events like Rozgar Mela are channeling their energy in the right direction for nation-building. Indian Railways is fully committed to providing world-class opportunities to the youth of this region and to advancing public welfare initiatives.”

Greater Kashmir

From U-19 cricket to Kashmir Golf, Jadeja keeps sport close

By
JKN Author
-
0
From U-19 cricket to Kashmir Golf, Jadeja keeps sport close

Srinagar, May 23: The rain clouds hung low over the lush greens of Royal Springs Golf Course as young golfer from Rajasthan quietly prepared for another round in Kashmir.

Dressed casually, speaking softly and carrying none of the intensity often associated with competitive sport, Padmanav Jadeja, better known among friends as Paddy, looked more like a traveller soaking in the mountains than a player about to tee off in a two-day tournament.

But golf, for him, is exactly that, travel, connection and escape.

“I play golf as a hobby which has now become something I really enjoy,” he said with an easy smile. “I like travelling and playing different courses.”

Jadeja, from a royal family, is now based in Rajasthan and, had returned to Kashmir after playing here nearly two years ago during the Khyber Cup.

That memory, he admits, stayed with him.

“It was one of the better tournaments I have played,” he said. “The setting here is beautiful. And honestly, it is also a perfect escape from the Rajasthan and Delhi summer.”

While temperatures in the plains continue to soar above 40 degrees, Kashmir’s cool breeze and rain-soaked mornings have become a welcome refuge for golfers.

For Paddy and his friends, the decision to come was almost spontaneous.

“The kids’ holidays had started, and we thought, why not go to Kashmir and play golf,” he said.

What followed was less a carefully planned campaign and more a youthful sporting adventure. A few calls, conversations with organisers, and suddenly a team was formed for the WHS Sports Hub Golf Cup.

“We are actually just a patched-up team,” he laughed. “We just got together and said let us go play.”

There are no dramatic strategies, no intense pre-tournament meetings, and no pressure of expectations. The team, according to him, simply wants to enjoy the course and perhaps turn this visit into an annual tradition.

“We hope to do well, but you can’t get too serious,” he said. “You just take it as it comes.”

Yet beneath the relaxed personality lies an athlete shaped by years in competitive cricket.

Long before golf entered his life, Jadeja played U-19 cricket and even played a few practice matches at the professional level before deciding not to pursue cricket further.

“I could not make the big leap,” he admitted honestly. “But sport has always remained part of my life.”

That sporting background, he says, made the transition to golf natural.

“When you grow up playing cricket, you are already used to spending hours on the field, staying patient and focused,” he said.

But unlike many professionals who struggle to balance work and sport, he believes golf actually complements his professional life.

“Golf helps you connect with people,” he said. “Even if you build one meaningful connection in a year through the game, it makes sense.”

That philosophy perhaps explains why golf attracts him beyond competition. For Jadeja, the sport is less about scorecards and more about people, places and moments.

And on a rainy Srinagar morning, with mist floating above the fairways and golfers gathering near the first tee, that moment felt complete.

There was no visible nervousness before the round. No bold predictions either.

Just a young golfer from Rajasthan, escaping the desert heat, walking calmly into the Kashmiri rain with a golf club in hand and no expectations beyond enjoying the game.

Greater Kashmir

First Cochlear Implant surgery conducted at GMC Rajouri

By
JKN Author
-
0
First Cochlear Implant surgery conducted at GMC Rajouri

Rajouri, May 23: Government Medical College Rajouri has achieved a major milestone in advanced healthcare services by successfully conducting a Cochlear Implant surgery for the first time under the supervision of Principal Dr AS Bhatia.

With this, Government Medical College Rajouri has become the first peripheral medical college among the three newly established GMCs in the Jammu division to perform the specialised surgery.

Head of Department ENT & HNS, Prof Dr Vidushi Badial, said that cochlear implant surgery creates a new pathway for sound by placing electrodes inside the cochlea to directly stimulate the hearing nerve, thereby enabling sound perception in a profoundly deaf child.

The surgery was successfully carried out by the ENT Department in coordination with the DIEC team headed by Sahil Lone and Anaesthesia team led by Dr Suhail Bandey, and the operation theatre team headed by Sahil Sharma.

The procedure was performed under the expert guidance of Dr Rajiv Kapila and Dr Padam Singh Jamwal.

Officials and staff members appreciated the dedicated efforts of the ENT Department and all associated teams for successfully conducting the complex surgery, terming it a significant step towards strengthening advanced medical care facilities in the region.

The financial assistance for this surgery was provided by NHM, and a two-year-old child from Sunderbani, Lower Hathal has been operated upon.

The child was not having hearing tendency since birth and through this Cochlear implant, he will be able to hear the voices.

Father of child namely Vipan Pal Sharma has said that he is from a financially poor family and was not able to be at the expenses of child’s treatment but District Early Intervention Center (DEIC) has come up as a big sigh of relief as it got this crucial surgery done while ENT Department of GMC Rajouri headed by Dr. Vidushi Badial has always been at forefront to aid the family.

Greater Kashmir

BJP rejected by people for 60 months, they should digest it: Satish Sharma

By
JKN Author
-
0
BJP rejected by people for 60 months, they should digest it: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, May 23: Minister for Youth Service and Sports, Satish Sharma, on Saturday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was in New Delhi “on a mission” and expressed hope that he would return with something positive for Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Special National Integration Camp (SNIC) at Badami Bagh Cantonment, Sharma said CM Omar was holding meetings in New Delhi.

“The CM is in New Delhi on a mission. He is meeting people there, and we are expecting that he will return with something good,” Sharma said.

On the BJP’s criticism that the CM was “missing on the ground,” Sharma said the party had been rejected by the people of J&K for the next five years and should accept the mandate.

“The BJP is in opposition for the sake of opposition. The fact is that they have been rejected by the people of J&K for 60 months. The feeling of rejection is hard to digest, but they have to play a constructive role as opposition,” he said.

The minister said political parties should rise above political differences and work collectively for the welfare and development of J&K.

“We should rise above party politics and give our efforts to make J&K beautiful and prosperous. I won’t go by what they (BJP) say about the CM,” he said.

Sharma highlighted the role of youth and sports in social transformation, saying that sports activities were being expanded across J&K to keep youngsters away from drug abuse.

“Sports is the only way to keep youth away from drugs. I will not discuss what we have done during the last months, but we all should play a positive role to channelise the energy of our youth,” he said.

Sharma said that the government was planning to host major sporting events in J&K.

The minister said J&K had already hosted water sports events and downhill mountain biking competitions in Gulmarg.

“We will hold similar sporting events in Sonamarg as well,” he said.

Sharma said efforts were underway to host Commonwealth-level Kho-Kho events in the region.

“We have called sports ministers here for four days. J&K will prosper,” he said.

Sharma also underlined the importance of unity and diversity, saying National Cadets and Corps (NCC) cadets represented the spirit of the country.

“Our NCC cadets do not believe in caste, creed, and colour. Diversity is our strength and NCC cadets are our ambassadors,” he said.

Referring to the tourism sector, Sharma said tourist arrivals in J&K had increased despite challenges faced in the past.

“People from many states are coming here in large numbers. One year ago, we had an apprehension that our enemy had harmed us, but our people are strong, and the tourists from all the states are coming to Kashmir,” he said.

Sharma said that he would serve the people of J&K as their true representative.

“I am the son of a soldier, and I say it with pride,” he said. “We will explore options to promote tourism in hilly areas, including Chenab Valley, Kathua, and other places. There are wonderful things waiting for our J&K.”

Greater Kashmir

PM Modi gets US invite during talks with US Secretary of State

By
JKN Author
-
0
PM Modi gets US invite during talks with US Secretary of State

New Delhi, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday deliberated on various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, especially in areas of defence, trade, energy and technology.

Rubio met PM Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi following a brief visit to Kolkata.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor said Rubio extended an invitation to PM Modi on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the US in the near future.

“Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security,” Prime Minister Modi said on X.

India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good, he said.

“Secretary Rubio briefed Prime Minister Modi on the sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Secretary Rubio shared the US perspective on various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, it said.

The prime minister reaffirmed India’s consistent support for peace efforts and reiterated the call for peaceful resolution of the conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, the PMO said.

“Prime Minister Modi requested Secretary Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to their continued exchanges,” a readout from the PMO said.

Ambassador Gor said Secretary Marco Rubio “extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future”.

On Sunday, Rubio is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Jaishankar and attend the US Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations.

The Secretary of State will travel to Agra and Jaipur on Monday before returning to Delhi on Tuesday morning for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The four-day visit is aimed at recalibrating the bilateral relations that have faced headwinds since mid-last year.

“Landed in India. Looking forward to a great visit,” Rubio said in a social media post after he reached Kolkata this morning. He visited the Mother House — the headquarters of Saint Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity — before flying to the national capital.

Greater Kashmir

Coal mine gas explosion in China kills 90

By
JKN Author
-
0
Coal mine gas explosion in China kills 90

Beijing, May 23: Ninety miners were killed in a gas explosion in a coal mine in north China’s Shanxi Province, while all-out rescues are underway to reach those still unaccounted for, official media in Beijing reported on Saturday.

A total of 247 workers were underground when the accident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi.

Mining disasters are common in energy-hungry China, and are largely attributed to poor working conditions and a weak regulatory framework.

The death toll rose to 90 following the accident, while around 123 people of those rescued are receiving treatment at hospitals, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition.

Nine people remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue to locate them, state-run media reported.

“As long as there is hope, we will make every possible effort,” one rescuer told Xinhua.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued instructions for a comprehensive rescue operation and treatment of the injured.

He has called for proper handling of the aftermath of the accident and sought a thorough investigation into its cause, with accountability pursued in accordance with the law.

Xi has stressed that authorities across the country must learn from the accident, remain vigilant on workplace safety, and intensify efforts to identify and eliminate potential risks to prevent major accidents.

As China enters its flood season, Xi also called for strengthened emergency preparedness and solid flood control and disaster relief measures to safeguard people’s lives and property.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has led a team to the site to oversee the rescue efforts.

While such incidents take place almost every year, the worst mining disaster was in 2005, resulting in the death of 214 people, following a gas explosion at the Sunjiawan coal mine in Liaoning province in China’s northeast.

Greater Kashmir

Summer vacations announced for Jammu summer zone schools from June 1

By
JKN Author
-
0
Summer vacations announced for Jammu summer zone schools from June 1

Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday announced summer vacations for schools falling under the Summer Zone of Jammu Division in view of the prevailing weather conditions and rising temperatures.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo, according to news agency JKNS, said that summer vacations for Primary Classes will commence from June 1, 2026, while students of Classes 6th to 12th will observe vacations from June 8, 2026.

“Keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions, summer vacations for schools falling under Summer Zone of Jammu Division shall commence w.e.f. 01.06.2026 for Primary Classes.

She said that, vacations for for students of Classes 6th to 12th will commence w.e.f. 08.06.2026,” the Minister said.

Greater Kashmir

1.6 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for hajj pilgrimage

By
JKN Author
-
0
1.6 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for hajj pilgrimage

Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming Hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East.

The conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February saw Tehran order waves of strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, prompting widespread air traffic disruptions and causing travel costs to surge.

Major Gulf airlines in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have worked to quickly restore much of their operational capacity after weeks of airspace closures and flight cancelations.

Despite the complications, pilgrims have continued to flock to Saudi Arabia to participate in this year’s Hajj.

“The total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1,518,153,” Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport Forces, told a press conference late Friday.

These figures are expected to rise further over the next two days as pilgrims continue to arrive from abroad ahead of the formal rituals that mark the beginning of the Hajj on Monday.

Last year, the total number of pilgrims at the Hajj reached 1,673,320, including 1,506,576 from outside Saudi Arabia.

Greater Kashmir

1...567...922Page 6 of 922
- Advertisement -
Google search engine

Recent Posts

JK News – Your go-to source for the latest and most reliable news from Jammu & Kashmir!
Contact us: info@jknews.in
Facebook Instagram Twitter

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

JK News © 2026