NOK Desk

News

Election Commission of India to Announce Assembly Election Schedule This Friday

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to unveil the schedule for upcoming Assembly elections across various states this Friday afternoon.

Current legislative terms are nearing their end: Haryana’s Assembly will conclude on November 3, Maharashtra’s on November 26, and Jharkhand’s on January 5, 2025. For Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court had instructed the ECI last year to hold elections by September 30, 2024. The ECI has already updated the electoral rolls in these states, signaling the start of election preparations.

The schedule will be disclosed during a press conference at 3 PM today. However, the media invitation did not specify which states’ election dates will be revealed.

News

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Celebrates 78th Independence Day at Bakshi Stadium

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha marked the 78th Independence Day by hoisting the National Flag and delivering a stirring address at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar today.

On X, Lt Governor Sinha shared: “I proudly hoisted the National Flag at Bakshi Stadium today, celebrating our 78th Independence Day. As we embrace the spirit of freedom and unity, we must remember and honor the immense sacrifices of our courageous freedom fighters and martyrs.

Over the past five years, our democratic roots have grown deeper. I urge the citizens of J&K to commit collectively to making democratic ideals a fundamental part of our consciousness and daily lives.

J&K is forging ahead with renewed confidence towards peace, progress, and prosperity. Let us pledge to work together to make J&K UT a symbol of achievement.”

During the UT-level Independence Day celebrations, the Lt Governor reviewed the parade and received the salute during a grand march past featuring J&K Police, security forces, school students, and brass and pipe bands from the J&K Police and BSF.

The Lt Governor also awarded cash prizes to winners of the National Anthem singing competition and recognized the contingents and groups for their outstanding performances in the march past and cultural displays.

Earlier, Lt Governor Sinha honored the memory of the nation’s heroes by laying a wreath at ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

News

Scooty Rider Dies in Guroora village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora

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Truck Accident

A 22-year-old scooty rider died in a road accident in Guroora village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Thursday morning, officials said.

An official told that a vehicle hit the scooty in Guroora, resulting in critical injuries to the rider.

He was immediately shifted to district hospital Bandipora where he succumbed to injuries, he said.

The dead has been identified as Mehraj Ud din son of Javid Ahmad of Chitteybandy—(KNO)

News

Cloudburst Hits Banward Damhal Hanjipora Kulgam one Man dies, Another Injured

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Dead

A man died after a cloudburst hit Damhal Hanjipora area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday, official sais.An official told that the cloudburst hit Banward area in DH Pora and soon after a rescue operation was launched.

“One person died in the incident, while another suffered injuries. Police and civil administration is on the spot,” he said.

The dead has been identified as Mukhtar Ahmad Chouhan son of Mohammad Hussain Chouhan of Bangward Bala. The injured person has been identified as Rafakat Ahmad Chouhan son of Mohammad Hussain Chouhan, also from Bangward Bala.

Tehsildar DH Pora, Zahid Ahmad, told that a team has been rushed to the spot, and further details will be shared later—(KNO)

News

To Review J&K Security Situation ECI Meeting Union Home Secretary

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The Election Commission will meet with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have said.

In December last year, the Supreme Court directed the central government to conclude the election process in the Union territory by September 30, 2024.

If it happens before September, Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Recently, a poll body delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reviewed the poll preparations in J&K. During a press conference in Jammu during the visit, Kumar had emphasised that the commission is committed to holding elections there “at the earliest”.

No outside or internal forces can derail the electoral process, he had said, adding that the people of J&K will give a befitting response to “disruptive forces.”

CEC had further said that all parties in Jammu and Kashmir are “batting strongly” for holding assembly elections.

During the visit, the poll body officials met national and recognized parties there.

“All of them praised the public and Election Commission for the successful Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. They all said it was a historic achievement, it had good participation, and no incident (of violence) took place which has boosted people’s confidence. All the parties demanded that the Assembly polls be held at the earliest. All the parties demanded that there be public-elected representatives in J&K, who have a better connection with locals. More or less all the political parties, except one or two, also wanted that a level playing field be established,” he said.

Rajiv Kumar further said that everyone’s perception was that everyone should get equal security.

“They had another demand. There was a review of the security of political functionaries in the state in which the security of some of them was downgraded, some did not get it and the security of some was upgraded. Their perception was that everyone should get equal security so that they can get involved in political activities without any fear, irrespective of the party they are from,” he said.

There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are General, nine are reserved for ST and seven are SC.

In Jammu and Kashmir, there are 87.09 lakh total electors. Of which 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 female, 169 are Transgender, 82,590 persons with disabilities, 73943 very senior citizens, 2660 centenarians, 76092 service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters.

Kashmir Education

Kashmir University Drops Down in Top 100 University Category

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University of Kashmir

In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, released on Monday, the University of Kashmir (KU) has seen a drop of 12 places. Previously ranked 33rd in 2023 in the top 100 Universities category, KU now holds the 69th position. The University of Jammu (JU) is ranked 87th in the same category.

In the top 100 universities, KU is ranked 45th, while JU stands at 50th. In the top 50 State Public Universities category, KU is 14th, and JU is 23rd. No college from Jammu and Kashmir made it to the top 100 Colleges category, and no institution from the region appeared in the top 50 Research Institutions.

In the Engineering category, the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu is ranked 62nd, while the National Institute of Technology Srinagar is 79th. The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIMJ) has been placed 42nd in the Management category.

No pharmaceutical institute from J&K is in the top 100 in Pharmacy, and no institute from the region is listed in the top 40 in the Dental category. However, in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu is ranked 20th.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Amarnath Yatra Suspended Today due to Inclement Weather

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The Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Tuesday on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes in Jammu and Kashmir due to inclement weather following heavy rains earlier in the week.

Ashish, a pilgrim from Bihar who had arrived in Srinagar on Monday evening, expressed hope about the Yatra resuming very soon.

“We got to know that the Yatra has been shut down for some reasons. We received the input that Yatra would be resuming today. We will pay the obeisance for sure,” he told ANI.

He also hailed the security personnel for their cooperation with the pilgrims. “The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and all the local police authorities here are cooperating with the pilgrims. We are getting good treatment.”

He said that everyone should visit Kashmir (owing to improvements in the security situation). “Everyone should visit Kashmir. Now the situation has completely changed. Thanks to the Government of India.”

The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine began on June 29. This year, the 52-day-long pilgrimage would culminate on August 19.

Coming from Gujarat to pay obeisance at the Amarnath Shrine in South Kashmir, KR Patil, a pilgrim, expressed his disappointment after learning that the Yatra was suspended for two days.

“Here, we got to know it (Yatra) is shut for two days. I have been staying here. Facilities are up to mark here,” he said. ”

He expressed hope that the Yatra would be resumed today.

The Yatra, conducted by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, is divided into two routes: One through Pahalgam, and the other through Baltal in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims.

This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amidst a significant increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

Kashmir Tourism

SIDBI and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department Launch Capacity Development Program to Enhance Skills and Safety of Front-Line Stakeholders

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In a significant step towards bolstering the tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Department of Tourism have jointly launched a Capacity Development Training Programme. This initiative is designed to elevate the skills and effectiveness of 120 front-line tourism stakeholders, including Tourist Police Officers, Tourist Guides, Pony Wallas, ATV Drivers, and Ski Porters.

The comprehensive programme, conducted by Wyath Services Private Limited, focuses on key areas essential for improving tourist experiences and ensuring their safety. It includes training in Soft Skills, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Environmental Sustainability. The sessions are being held concurrently at major tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Srinagar, aiming to cover the diverse needs of the region’s tourism workforce.

The programme was inaugurated by S.D. Chowdhury, SSP Tourism Enforcement J&K, alongside Malik Waseem Ahmad, Deputy Director Tourism – Recreation, Deeba Khalid, Deputy Director Tourism – Publicity, SIDBI representatives, and officials from Wyath Services Private Limited. This launch marks a significant milestone in the effort to enhance the overall quality and safety of tourism services in the region.

The training modules are designed to address various facets of front-line service provision. Soft Skills training aims to improve communication, problem-solving, and customer service abilities, ensuring that stakeholders can provide exceptional interactions with tourists. Basic Life Support (BLS) training is intended to equip participants with the skills necessary to respond effectively to medical emergencies, thereby enhancing visitor safety. Additionally, the focus on Environmental Sustainability is set to promote practices that protect the natural beauty of Jammu & Kashmir while supporting sustainable tourism.

S.D. Chowdhury, in his inaugural address, highlighted the importance of the BLS training component, stating, “Our emphasis on Basic Life Support will significantly enhance our ability to respond to emergencies, ensuring the well-being of tourists.”

Malik Waseem Ahmad further commented on the programme’s impact, saying, “This initiative represents a crucial step towards enriching the tourism experience in Jammu & Kashmir. By equipping every front-line stakeholder with the necessary skills, we aim to ensure exceptional service and the safety and satisfaction of our visitors.”

A representative from SIDBI expressed their commitment to the tourism sector’s growth, noting, “The Capacity Development Training Programme reflects our dedication to supporting the tourism industry. By investing in the skills of our front-line staff, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.”

Saleem Lone, Director of Wyath Services Private Limited, expressed pride in collaborating on this initiative, stating, “Our involvement in this programme aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance service standards and promote environmental stewardship. This training will not only uplift service delivery but also empower stakeholders to positively impact the region’s tourism ecosystem.”

This Capacity Development Training Programme is a pivotal move towards enhancing the overall quality and safety of tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, promising to make a lasting impact on the region’s tourism industry.