Home Blog Page 647

NIT Srinagar organises technology transfer training for rural youth, women

0
NIT Srinagar organises technology transfer training for rural youth, women

Srinagar, Nov 9: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Sunday organised a Technology Transfer Training Programme at Faquir Gujri, Srinagar, to train local youth and women in preparing healthy food products from locally grown fruits and vegetables using plant-derived natural preservatives.

The event was held under the project titled “Technology Transfer for Development of Functional Foods Using Natural Plant Extracts in Encapsulated Form”, sanctioned to Prof. M.A. Shah and Dr. Mudasir Ahmad by the National Coordinating Institution, IIT Delhi, under SEG – Rural Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development, said a press release.

The initiative aims to empower rural communities through science-driven technology interventions that strengthen livelihood and entrepreneurship prospects. The technology focuses on easy-to-adopt food processing techniques for producing beverages, juices, jams, and sauces from locally available produce.

In his message, Prof Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Director of NIT Srinagar, lauded the initiative, noting that such programmes play a vital role in empowering rural communities by equipping them with modern skills and technical know-how. He said these efforts not only enhance employability but also encourage youth to explore entrepreneurship and contribute to the local economy.

Regional Coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), Prof. M.F. Wani, emphasized that UBA initiatives are committed to empowering unemployed rural men and women by linking technology with grassroots needs.

Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman also commended the organisers and participants, emphasizing that the institute remains committed to extending its outreach beyond the campus. He said NIT Srinagar will continue to support community-oriented initiatives that promote skill development, innovation, and self-reliance among people, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. M.A. Shah said the programme bridges the gap between research and community innovation, converting laboratory findings into real-world applications for sustainable development. He commended the project team for connecting academic research with rural entrepreneurship.

Dr Mudasir Ahmad Shagoo, Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted the practical training modules, including demonstrations on extraction, formulation, processing, packaging, and quality control of functional food products. The event featured hands-on training sessions and expert interactions with food technologists from the University of Kashmir, who shared insights on market trends and product innovation in natural and functional foods. Dr. Mehvesh Mushtaq, a technical expert, underlined the potential of local fruits and herbs to create nutritious, value-added food products with commercial viability.

Greater Kashmir

CIK nabs 9 during anti-terror raids across Kashmir

0
CIK nabs 9 during anti-terror raids across Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 09: Nine people, including a woman, were detained on Sunday as Counter Intelligence Kashmir carried out raids across the Valley as part of its crackdown on online terror networks.

Acting on credible intelligence about the online glorification of terrorism and the radicalisation of youth, a spokesperson said the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) teams targeted 10 specific locations in Srinagar, Kulgam, Baramulla, Shopian, and Pulwama.

“In a sweeping crackdown on online terror networks, CIK launched coordinated raids across Kashmir Valley today, sending a decisive message against extremism and cyber abuse,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“This robust operation, conducted with support from local police, focused on individuals alleged to be misusing social media platforms to incite violence, spread anti-national propaganda, and foster communal hatred,” he said.

The official said nine suspects, including one woman, have been detained. “A cache of incriminating evidence, ranging from SIM cards and mobile phones to tablets and a variety of digital devices, has been seized for forensic examination,” he said.

The spokesperson said the material recovered is expected to yield critical leads, paving the way for further investigation and additional enforcement action.

“This action underscores our commitment to safeguarding public order and the internal security of the region by rooting out digital threats at their source,” he said, adding the crackdown is just the beginning of an intensified fight against online terrorism and unlawful digital activity.

He said more raids and detentions are imminent as authorities remain steadfast in upholding peace in the Valley and protecting Kashmir’s youth from the influence of Pakistan-backed terrorist handlers and violent extremism.

Greater Kashmir

Authorities impose prohibitory orders under Sec 163 BNSS ahead of polling to 27-AC Budgam

0
Authorities impose prohibitory orders under Sec 163 BNSS ahead of polling to 27-AC Budgam

Budgam, Nov 09: In order to facilitate smooth conduct of electoral process in District Budgam, to denote the end of campaigning period and start of silence period of campaigning, the District Magistrate (DM) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat issues Prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS throughout the District.

According to the order issued from the Office of District Magistrate Budgam, the restrictions have been imposed in District under Section 163 BNSS from 6:00 pm on November 9 , 2025 (Sunday) till 6:00pm on November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) in wake of the scheduled Polling in the 27 Assembly segment in the District and to uphold the sanctity of democratic principles.

The order further reads that there shall be ban on unlawful assembly as per the section 189 of BNS and any procession or rally shall be prohibited to prevent any law and order problem, and no person shall convene, hold , attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in connection with the Elections.

Greater Kashmir

Pak terrorists hit India at will when Centre was helmed by Congress, UPA allies: Amit Shah

0
Pak terrorists hit India at will when Centre was helmed by Congress, UPA allies: Amit Shah

Sasaram/Arwal (Bihar), Nov 09: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that terrorists struck at will on our soil when the government at the Centre was helmed by Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Lalu Prasad Yadav, and added now BJP-led government is beating up terrorists inside their homes.

Addressing back-to-back rallies in Sasaram and Arwal towns of Bihar, on the final day of campaign for the second and final phase of assembly elections, the Home Minister Amit Shah said that terrorists will get harsh response from India if they dare to hit Indian soil in future.

“When the government at the Centre was helmed by Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Lalu, terrorists struck at will on our soil. In contrast, now we are beating up the terrorists inside their homes,” Shah asserted.

“In future, if terrorists from Pakistan dare to carry out an attack again, bullets fired by them will be retaliated with mortar shells. Do you know where these mortar shells will be manufactured? In Bihar, in Sasaram, as Modi is trying to build a defence corridor here,” said the home minister.

He accused India bloc of trying to build a “corridor of infiltrators”, unlike Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wanted to “set up an industrial corridor”.

Shah also promised a future that “mortar shells that will be dropped on Pakistan will be manufactured at an ordnance factory in this state”.

“Recently, Rahul and Lalu’s son (Tejashwi Yadav) took out a ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’. It was not aimed at bringing about any improvement in the lives of the poor living in Bihar, the Dalits and the EBCs. It was aimed at protecting infiltrators,” Shah alleged.

The former BJP president said that “the opposition’s vote bank politics has led them to make attempts for building a ghuspaithiya (infiltrator) corridor, unlike Narendra Modi, who is setting up an industrial corridor”.

Shah also bristled at Gandhi’s charge that votes were being stolen in the country, and asked, “If he thinks there is ‘vote chori’, why does he not lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission?”.

The BJP leader also lambasted the Congress and the RJD for “having tried to stall” the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, where an ancient Hindu shrine was allegedly razed by “Mughal emperor Babur 550 years ago”.

“Today, with Modi in power, a sky-high temple has been built at the spot,” Shah said.

The former BJP president said, “I can tell you, in advance, the outcome of the ongoing elections. This is my 37th rally in the state, and I can say that Lalu ji and his allies are going to be wiped out in the first phase itself.”

He urged all the people to “be on guard and not get complacent”.

“You must remember that the opposition may have come in a new garb, but their poll symbols remain the same lantern and ‘panjaa’ (hand) and so does their character,” Shah alleged.

Referring to the CPI(ML) Liberation, which has aligned with the INDIA bloc, the home minister said, “Under Modi’s leadership, we have been able to weed out the menace of naxalism. But if even a little chance is given to these red flag wallahs, the state will again be in throes of the Left insurgency that Bihar had suffered in the past”.

“Press the EVM button, in favour of NDA candidates, with such force that it sends shock waves as far as Italy”, added the BJP leader, in a tongue-in-cheek reference to Gandhi’s maternal roots in the European country.

He also drew a contrast between Prasad, who has been convicted in fodder scam cases and named in many other corruption scandals, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the JD(U president and NDA ally, who had “no taint of corruption despite being in power for 20 years”.

Greater Kashmir

Continuous decline in saffron yield calls for immediate govt intervention: Tarigami

0
Continuous decline in saffron yield calls for immediate govt intervention: Tarigami

Srinagar, Nov 09: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has voiced concern over a continuous decline in saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir, urging the administration to take immediate steps to support growers and safeguard the heritage crop.

Tarigami said that this year’s low output has caused distress among thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on saffron.

MLA Kulgam said that inadequate irrigation remains one of the major challenges. The Karewas of Pampore, considered the main saffron growing region, continue to depend heavily on rainfall. The prolonged dry spell this season, lack of irrigation, and the poor quality of available corms have collectively contributed to the decline.

“The growers are facing losses. A bad season not only affects their annual income but threatens the very existence of this heritage crop. The government needs to intervene on priority,” Tarigami said.

Tarigami urged the administration to ensure that a functional and reliable irrigation system is established in the saffron fields without delay. “There must be an immediate assessment of the loss suffered by growers this season and adequate compensation should be provided,” he added.

Referring to the National Mission on Saffron, Tarigami said the progress on the irrigation infrastructure has remained sluggish. He said that borewells and irrigation facilities developed under the mission must be made fully operational at the earliest so that growers benefit on the ground. “Irrigation is the backbone of saffron cultivation. Unless the borewells and sprinkler systems are functional, the growers cannot benefit,” he said.

Tarigami added that climate variability is also affecting saffron production, but timely intervention and proper management can protect the crop. “The future of Kashmir saffron depends on prompt and practical support on the ground,” he said.

Greater Kashmir

SIM vendor inspection drive launched in Kishtwar, Kathua to curb illegal distribution

0
SIM vendor inspection drive launched in Kishtwar, Kathua to curb illegal distribution

Jammu, Nov 09: Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday launched an extensive inspection drive across SIM vendor outlets in Kashmir district to enhance security and curb unauthorised distribution, an official said.

All gazetted officers and station house officers carried out the inspections of SIM vendor outlets in their respective jurisdictions as part of this coordinated district-wide exercise, a police spokesman said.

During the drive, he said, vendors were directed to maintain complete records of all issued SIM cards, strictly follow KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines, and refrain from selling fake or pre-activated SIM cards.

The inspections also emphasised the importance of keeping detailed records related to recharges, duplicate SIM issuance, and logs for lost or damaged SIM cards, along with the corresponding customer details, the spokesman added.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, reiterated the importance of transparency and integrity in the SIM issuance process to prevent potential misuse.

He also advised mobile phone sellers and repair technicians to maintain accurate transaction records, including customer identification details, to ensure accountability and public safety.

Police will continue to monitor vendor activities and conduct similar inspections in the future to strengthen compliance and reinforce telecom-related security measures across the district, the officer said.

A similar drive was also conducted in the Udhampur district a few days ago, the spokesman said, adding that another comprehensive drive targeting SIM card vendor outlets was conducted across the Kathua district over the last two days.

“This initiative aims to strengthen the verification process for new SIM registrations and curb the potential misuse of mobile connectivity,” he said.

Greater Kashmir

Food Safety Dept gives one month deadline for hotels, restaurants to comply with food safety rules

0
Food Safety Dept gives one month deadline for hotels, restaurants to comply with food safety rules

Srinagar Nov 09: The Food Safety and Standards Department has issued new directives for hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and other food outlets under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The move aims to ensure consumers receive safe and wholesome food.

According to the notice, every food business must obtain and display a valid FSSAI license or registration before operating. Expired licenses must be renewed immediately or face penalties under Section 63 of the Act.

Establishments are also required to display a Food Safety Display Board (FSDB) showing the FSSAI license number, customer care contact, type of service, medium of food preparation, and a declaration stating, “No MSG or Synthetic Colours Added to Food.” The FSDB must follow color codes set by FSSAI, such as purple for restaurants and blue for caterers.

FSSAI has encouraged all licensed outlets to join the voluntary Hygiene Rating Scheme under the Eat Right India initiative. The hygiene rating certificate must be displayed prominently and renewed periodically.

Food handlers must undergo annual medical checkups, and establishments must maintain valid medical fitness records

Water used for cooking and cleaning must be tested regularly at NABL-accredited labs, with potability reports kept ready for inspection.

Strict pest control, disposal of used cooking oil through registered RUCO aggregators, and nomination of trained Food Safety Supervisors under the FoSTaC programme are now mandatory.

Hotels and restaurants must also keep detailed records on raw material procurement, water testing, pest control, equipment calibration, and employee health. Only food-grade utensils and packaging are permitted. Temperature control is critical, with chilled foods to be stored below 4°C, frozen items at –18°C, and hot food above 60°C until service.

All establishments have one month to comply. Non-compliance will lead to special inspections and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Officials said the new rules are intended to strengthen food safety monitoring and protect public health.(KNS)

Greater Kashmir

RSS is recognised as body of individuals, Bhagwat tells critics

0
RSS is recognised as body of individuals, Bhagwat tells critics

Bengaluru, Nov 09: In a veiled remark against the Congress leaders criticising RSS for operating without registration, the Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said his organisation is recognised as a body of individuals.

“RSS was established in 1925, so do you expect us to have registered with the British government?” Bhagwat asked while replying to a question during an in-house question and answer session organised by the RSS.

He added that after the independence, Government of India did not make registration compulsory.

“We are categorised as body of individuals, and we are a recognised organisation,” Bhagwat explained.

According to him, Income Tax department and courts have termed RSS as a body of individuals and the organisation was exempted from income tax.

“We were banned thrice. So government has recognised us. If we were not there, whom did they ban?” the RSS chief asked.

Bhagwat added there are many things, which are not registered. “Even Hindu Dharma is not registered,” he remarked.

On the issue of RSS respecting only the saffron flags and not recognising the Indian tri-colour, Bhagwat said while saffron is treated as a Guru in RSS it has high respect for the Indian tri-colour.

“We always respect, offer tribute and protect our tricolour,” the RSS chief said.

Bhagwat’s remarks came as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge recently said RSS should be banned.

His son and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge demanded ban on RSS activities in government institutions and public places. He even questioned the registration number of RSS and their source of funding.

Greater Kashmir

Anti-terror operations across Jammu, raids underway at dozens of places

0
Anti-terror operations across Jammu, raids underway at dozens of places

Jammu, Nov 09: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday extended the ongoing crackdown against terror operatives to different areas across Jammu, targeting local terrorists operating from Pakistan and their overground workers (OGWs), officials said.

A massive search and cordon operation is underway at dozens of places in Ramban, Kathua and Rajouri districts, they said.

On Saturday, scores of suspected persons were called for questioning amid a massive anti-terrorist operation in Doda district of Jammu. The searches were intensified as intelligence reports suggest that terrorists operating in the higher reaches are looking for safe hideouts in the plains for the winter.

Police continued its efforts to strengthen the security grid and maintain peace and conducted massive cordon and search operations at multiple locations in Banihal and Gool areas in Ramban district, a police spokesperson said.

The operations were carried out in a well-coordinated manner under the close supervision of Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta and were aimed at tracing out the suspicious activities of the relatives of the Jammu and Kashmir natives operating from Pakistan and verifying antecedents of suspected individuals, and tightening security around vulnerable areas, the spokesperson said.

During the operations, he said houses of relatives and known associates of active J-K-based terrorists operating from Pakistan and OGWs were put to search.

The police teams thoroughly inspected multiple premises to ensure no anti-national or unlawful activities were being carried out or supported, the spokesman said.

He said the drives were conducted by joint teams of the police, Army, CRPF, and SOG units along with duty magistrates covering various sensitive localities across the district.

The operations were carried out in an organised manner without causing any inconvenience to the general public, the spokesperson said.

He said such operations are a part of ongoing preventive and intelligence-based measures to ensure that peace and stability in the region remain undisturbed.

Police remain committed to neutralising any anti-national network and ensuring the safety of all citizens, the spokesperson said, requesting the public at large to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share any valuable information regarding suspicious movements or persons in their areas. He assure that the identity of the informants will be kept confidential.

Similar searches were also going on in Kathua and Rajouri districts, the officials said.

Greater Kashmir

CM Omar slams Mehbooba Mufti

0
CM Omar slams Mehbooba Mufti

Budgam, Nov 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of paving the way for the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A by aligning with the BJP.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a public rally at Rangreth, CM Omar said that Mehbooba Mufti should count and tell what she did. “She implemented the GST law, brought the BJP here, and laid the foundation for the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. What did we gain?” he said.

The Chief Minister said Mehbooba Mufti has no moral ground to target others when her own decisions harmed Jammu and Kashmir. “There was devastation in 2016, so many people lost their lives, but she did not apologise for 2016, nor for joining hands with the BJP,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with the Left parties, Omar remarked that when the Left made a mistake and didn’t allow Jyoti Basu to become the Prime Minister, they admitted it was a historical mistake. “Couldn’t Mehbooba Mufti at least admit the historical mistake she made by joining hands with the BJP? I don’t understand why Mehbooba Mufti is shy of apologising,” he said—(KNO)

Greater Kashmir

- Advertisement -
Google search engine

Recent Posts