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News

Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee and Media Centre have been established at DC/DEO Office Srinagar

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In order to ensure a smooth, transparent and fair electoral process in the Srinagar District for conduct of upcoming General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024, an Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Media Centre have been established at DC/DEO Office Srinagar.

The facilities have been set up as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) at the District Level to keep close vigil on paid news, Pre-certify Political Advertisements and ensure smooth electoral process during the General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024 in Srinagar District.

The MCMC will also provide certification after scrutinizing Political Advertisements to be telecast/ broadcast over TV/ Radio Channels/ Audio – Video displays/ cinema halls/ Internet based media/ Websites including Social Media, e-papers & Cable Network during General Elections. A dedicated email ID mcmcsgr@gmail.com has been established for the purpose.

Similarly, the Media Centre is also fully operational with the important responsibility of disseminating real-time information related to the election process to the public, media, political parties and other stakeholders, ensuring that all election-related developments are communicated effectively to the public.

A 24×7 Integrated Election Control Room is also currently in operation and is functioning round the clock to manage various aspects of the electoral process and facilitate the electorate of the District with the relevant information.

The Control Room is responsive and responding to the queries and questions on any aspect of electioneering. The numbers for the Integrated Control Room are 1950, +91 194 248 3651 and +911942471194.

Speaking about the facilities, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din, who is also the District Election Officer (DEO) Srinagar said that as per the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Media Centre have been established in the District as a tool to effectively coordinate the functioning of various agencies engaged in the election process and ensure that all media content complies with ECI guidelines besides it will monitor paid news in the print media.

He said the step is not only aimed at making the electoral process free, fair and transparent but also to provide a level playing field to all stakeholders by providing information on a real time basis. He also had a detailed visit to these Centres the other day.

Meanwhile, the DC/DEO Srinagar has urged all the Nodal Officers and other Staff deployed to work in a coordinated manner with added zeal and commitment to uphold the sanctity of the polls in free, fair and transparent manner as per the guidelines of Election Commission of India.

Kashmir Education

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Proposes Inclusion of Class 9-11 Marks in Class 12 Board Results

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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has suggested a new evaluation model, proposing that students’ performance in Classes 9, 10, and 11 should contribute to their Class 12 board results.

The suggestions were made in the report titled ‘Establishing Equivalence across Education Boards’ (released in the month of July).

The report suggested a progressive assessment framework for Classes 10 and 12. The new framework divides the academic year into two terms. The report also recommended that Class 12 board results to now include marks from Classes 9, 10, and 11.

The report mentioned, “The weightage of formative and summative marks will be adjusted progressively from class 9 to class 12, increasing the emphasis on summative assessment as learners advance in grades. Specifically, class 9 features a 7 per cent formative and 30 per cent summative split, class 10 an equal 50% formative and summative division, class 11 a 40 per cent formative and 60 per cent summative distribution, and class 12 a 30 per cent formative and 70 per cent summative ratio.”

“Consequently, the cumulative marks at the end of the secondary stage are 15 percent for class 9, 20 percent for class 10, 25 percent for class 11, and 40 percent for class 12,” the report mentioned. This means that students’ performance over the years will play a significant role in their final scores.

The suggested assessment framework for learners in classes 9 through 12 will employ a comprehensive approach that balances both, formative (ongoing) and summative (end-term) assessment methods to provide a holistic view of learners’ progress.

For classes 10 and 12, the assessment framework will be divided into two terms, the report suggests.
“Terms will feature Classroom Assessments through HPCs, involving Portfolio Assessment, Self Assessment, Peer Assessment, Teacher Observation, Group Work, and Laboratory activities,” it mentions.

The report also proposed the End Term Assessment will continue with competency-based assessments using ITMS, with teachers selecting from the question bank. Term II will introduce formative assessment with additional components such as Project Work, Paper Presentations with viva voice, and Group Discussions.

“The summative assessment will consist of a common paper consisting of Long Answers, Short Answers, Very Short Answers, and Multiple Choice Questions linking with the Learning Outcomes, based on the question paper design and blueprint,” the report mentions. (ANI)

News

National Conference and Congress have finally entered into a pre-poll alliance

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Kharge and Rahul Gandhi

The National Conference and Congress have finally entered into a pre-poll alliance and decided to go for seat sharing on five seats only

“NC will field candidates from 51 seats while INC will contest on 32 seats,” the NC—Congress leaders said while addressing a news conference, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

However, they said that out of 32 seats, Congress will leave two seats, one each for CPI (M) and Panthers Party.As per KNO, J&K PCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra while sharing the details said that there will be a friendly contest on five seats in J&K, but in a very disciplined manner.

Kashmir Agriculture

SKUAST-K Innovation Centre Leads in Startups and Internationalisation; Momina Khan Wins Global Fellowship

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The SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre is dedicated to guiding young innovators towards realising their startup potential. Its efforts have earned it the top spot as the leading incubator in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as recognised by the Department of Science and Technology, Jammu and Kashmir on their official website. To date, the centre has established over 45 DPIIT-recognised startups, supported 35 intellectual properties, filed more than 70 patents, raised ₹23 crore in funding, and garnered 65 innovation awards. This is all achieved under the astute guidance of Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K.

In its mission to internationalise education, SKUAST-K, supported by the Department of Science and Technology in New Delhi under the Inclusive Technology Business Incubation Scheme, is fulfilling its commitment to the university’s fourth mandate: Innovations & Entrepreneurship. A prime example is Ms. Momina Khan, a serial graduate working on a novel sero-biotech idea (currently under patent) at the Innovation Centre. She has been awarded the prestigious international Innovation Fellowship “InteRussai” at Skoltech Innovation Centre, Moscow, to work under the mentorship of a global expert for one month. Skoltech will fully fund her fellowship.

Ms. Momina received mentorship from Naveed Hamid, CEO of SKIIE Centre, and support from the Dean, faculty members of COTS Mirgund, and university biotechnologists. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Ganai extended his congratulations to Ms. Momina and her mentors for this remarkable achievement. He also commended Prof. Haroon R. Naik, the SKIIE Board of Directors, and the SKIIE Centre team for their exceptional mentoring and commitment to internationalising the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship mandate.

Politics

Omar Abdullah Urges PDP to Refrain from Fielding Candidates Against NC-Congress Alliance

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National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of “imitating” their manifesto and asked the Mehbooba Mufti-led party to not field candidates against the NC.

Addressing the public in Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah said, “They (PDP) should’ve made a different manifesto, we spoke of 200 units of electricity, and they also did. We spoke of one lakh jobs, and they also did. We spoke about the reopening of blocked roads, which is also there in their manifesto.

We spoke of open dialogue, which is also there in their manifesto. Everything in the National Conference’s manifesto is present in their (PDP’s) manifesto also.”

Omar Abdullah also urged the PDP to not field candidates against the NC-Congress alliance. Abdullah’s remarks come after Mehbooba Mufti showed willingness to support the NC-Congress alliance provided they support PDP’s agenda.

Omar Abdullah said, “They (PDP) said that if NC and Congress agree with their manifesto, then they will not launch their candidates. Now that all of our agenda is in your manifesto, there is no difference between our agendas, then you should remove your candidates from the election.

Earlier Mehbooba Mufti said that if the Congress-NC alliance are ready to accept PDP’s agenda they are ready to support them.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have given an answer to the BJP government from the Lok Sabha polls that there are issues in Jammu and Kasmir and by removing Article 370, it has become more complicated.

Whenever we allied with any party we had a motive, an agenda, what we have to do. That’s why I said that if they (Congress) are ready to accept our agenda, we are ready to support them,” Mufti said.

NC’s manifesto envisaged the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood before August 5, 2019.

NC Manifesto has also promised free electricity for upto 200 units, a comprehensive job package for youth, and to encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan.

PDP released its manifesto after NC and along the same lines. PDP also mentioned the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A and diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, according to the Election Commission of India. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.

These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)

Politics

Shiekh Ashiq likely contest Assembly Elections from Srinagar

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Former Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Shiekh Ashiq is likely to contest Assembly Elections 2024 from Srinagar on AIP seat, sources on Sunday said.

Sources confirmed to Different News Agencies that Shiekh Ashiq will join active politics and talks are underway between Awami Ithehad Party led by Jailed MP Er. Rasheed.“Talks are going on between Engineer Rashid’s party and Sheikh Ashiq who is  prominent trade leader and former President of KCCI,” he said.

Sources further said in comming days, Shiekh Ashiq will join AIP in presence of senior leaders of the party. It will help AIP also for strong base in Srinagar city,” he said.

News / Politics

Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir Continues is Unfortunate and Participating in elections is a welcome move: Omer Abdullah

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Reacting to reports of Jamaat-i-Islami to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said that the beauty of democracy is that anyone can contest polls.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) he came across news reports that JeI was trying to get its ban lifted, so they could contest the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“But, unfortunately the government did not lift the ban even after elections were announced in J&K. Now there are news reports JeI is fielding its candidates as independents, which is a welcome step. We wanted them to contest polls on their own symbol, however, the ban on the organisation has not been lifted,” he said.

He also said that now that they have decided to contest polls as independents, let them come forward with their our manifest and promises. “It is up to the people whom they will choose. We welcome them if they have decided to contest elections,” Omar added.

Replying to query that there are reports about fissures in the NC-Congress alliance, he stated that it’s up to the party to decided things.

He also said that it is welcome development that home minister Amit Shah has read the manifesto of the National Conference and he mentioned about the same.

“I thank Amit Shah for mentioning our manifesto. After his comments I once again went through our manifesto and ensured if we haven’t missed anything. A person like home minister of the country reading one parties manifesto is big achievement for us,” he said—(KNO)

News / Politics

Finally Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir to Field Former Members as Independent Candidates in kashmir Assembly Elections

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The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir is set to field its former members as Independent candidates in several seats in the upcoming Assembly polls, The Indian Express has learnt.

Jamaat leaders had earlier said they are waiting for the Centre to lift the ban, in place under the UABASHAARAT MASOOPA since February 2019, with sources saying several rounds of talks had happened with the government. However, on Friday, the UAPA upheld the orders passed by the MHA declaring the Jamaat as an unlawful association under the Act.

Sources in the Jamaat said that following a meeting of its top body, it has been decided to field its former members as Independent candidates. “We have decided to field 10-12 members as Independents,” said a source from the organisation. “These will be in seats where we believe we have considerable support.”

In the first phase, the banned organisation is looking at around half a dozen seats, including Kulgam, Devsar, Bijbehara, Zainpora, Tral, Pulwama and Rajpora in south Kashmir.“We had a threadbare discussion on three options. The first was to form a front and fight under its banner; the second option was to be part of an alliance; and the third was to contest as Independents,” a source privy to the meeting said.

“While being part of any alliance was ruled out, the members were of the opinion that a front can’t be registered within a short time, and in any case such candidates will have to contest as Independents. So we went with the third option,” the source said, adding that those contesting will be former rukn or registered members of the Jamaat.

While the Jamaat has stayed away from the election since 1987, when they last participated under the banner of the Muslim United Front, it is eager to return to electoral politics to show its willingness to enter the mainstream.

“We are called a terror organisation, anti-democracy. We can’t contest elections as Jamaat members but we want to show that we believe in democracy, in the Constitution,” the source said.

“In the coming days, we will also take a decision on seats we will contest in the second and third phases.” A final call on candidates is awaited, sources said.

“We know we have very little time at hand, and by Sunday, we expect to come out with a list of candidates,” said the source. “We don’t know how state will react – whether they will accept the nomination or not.” (Indian Express)

News

 Watergam Sopore Gunfight Ends one Militant Killed and a Soldier Injured

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dead

A militant was killed and a soldier injured in a gunfight in Watergam Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla on Saturday.

A top police officer told  that the firefight had ensued in the area this afternoon and reinforcement were rushed to neutralise the militants.In the initial gunfight, a soldier sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the hospital.

” The militant has been killed and with it the operation stands concluded,” the officer said. Identity and the group affiliation of the militant is being ascertained, he said.

A pistol along with some rounds and a grenade has been recovered at the shootout site, the officer added.(GNS)