NOK Desk

Kashmir Education

UGC Revolutionizes PhD Admissions: NET Scores to Replace University Entrance Tests

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In a significant move aimed at simplifying the admission process for PhD programs across India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the use of National Eligibility Test (NET) scores in place of separate entrance exams conducted by universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This decision aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) to streamline academic processes and reduce the burden on students.

Starting from the academic session 2024-2025, all universities will have the option to admit students to their PhD programs based on their NET scores. This means that aspiring PhD students will no longer need to appear for multiple entrance exams, easing the application process and making it more efficient.

Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC, announced this decision, stating that the move will bring uniformity and standardization to the PhD admission process. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to begin the NET application process for the June 2024 session shortly, allowing students to take advantage of this new admission criteria.

Currently, the NET is conducted twice a year, in June and December, and is primarily used for awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and determining eligibility for assistant professor positions for candidates with a Master’s degree.

The decision to use NET scores for PhD admissions comes after a thorough review by an expert committee constituted by the UGC. This move is expected to significantly benefit students by providing them with a single, national-level entrance test for PhD admissions, in line with the NEP 2020’s vision for a more cohesive and efficient education system.

Additionally, the UGC has clarified that candidates who qualify for JRF will be admitted to PhD programs based on an interview, following the guidelines outlined in the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022.

Overall, this decision by the UGC marks a significant step towards simplifying the PhD admission process and promoting standardization in higher education across the country.

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News

MeT predicts more Rains till March 31 in J&K

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Rainfall persists in Jammu and Kashmir with forecasts predicting continued showers till month-end. Night temperatures rise across the valley.

According to a meteorological department official, Pahalgam received 4.4mm rainfall, followed by Gulmarg (3.4mm), Banihal (2.6mm), Qazigund (1.6mm), Bhaderwah (1.2mm), Batote (0.7mm), Kokernag & Jammu (0.6mm), and Srinagar (0.1mm) in the last 24 hours until 0830 a.m. today.

Srinagar recorded a minimum of 9.8°C, above normal by 3.7°C for this time of year. Qazigund and Pahalgam experienced temperatures 5.1°C and 3.4°C above normal, respectively.

Kokernag saw a minimum of 9.1°C, 4.4°C above normal, while Kupwara recorded 9.5°C, 5.0°C above normal. Gulmarg reported 2.0°C, 2.8°C above normal.

Jammu’s minimum temperature stood at 18.8°C, Banihal at 11.2°C, Batote at 12.1°C, and Bhaderwah at 10.8°C.

The forecast indicates generally cloudy weather with light rain in plains and snow in higher reaches over the next 24 hours. Similar conditions are expected from March 29 evening to March 30 night, with partly to generally cloudy weather and intermittent light rain/snow on March 31 at a few places. Dry weather is predicted thereafter.

News

Kashmir’s Youth President Calls for Fair Airfares to Preserve Accessibility to Valley’s Beauty

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As the renowned Tulip Garden in Kashmir welcomes the tourist season, Youth President Mudasir Karim voices concern over steep airfares to Srinagar. Despite past efforts by Crime Branch Kashmir in 2021, exploitative pricing persists, making travel to the Valley unaffordable for many.

The high costs not only deter tourists but also strain locals, especially during Eid when families hope to reunite. It’s distressing to see this issue persist, limiting access to Kashmir’s beauty regardless of one’s financial means.

In a series of tweets, Youth President Mudasir Karim urges the Office of LG Jammu and Kashmir to intervene. He stresses the need for fair pricing regulations with airlines to ensure everyone can experience Kashmir’s allure.

“We can’t let unfair airfares block access to Kashmir’s beauty, especially during Tulip Garden bloom and Eid celebrations,” says Mudasir Karim. “Immediate action is crucial to ease financial strain and promote fairness in Kashmir’s tourism.”

Karim’s advocacy echoes the desires of Kashmiris for fair access to their homeland’s wonders. His efforts highlight the urgency of addressing this issue for the benefit of all.

News

Residential House Ravaged by Fire in Panar Bandipora District

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A blaze tore through a two-story residential home in the Panar area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir, causing significant damage.According to reports received by GNS, the house, owned by Altaf Hussain Chechi and Irshad Ahmad Chechi, sons of Mian Chechi, caught fire this evening.

Emergency responders from the Fire and Emergency Services swiftly arrived at the scene with personnel and equipment to extinguish the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire caused extensive damage to the building. Additionally, a nearby cowshed sustained minor damage.

Confirming the incident, an official from the Fire and Emergency Services informed GNS that they arrived promptly, but the intensity of the blaze posed significant challenges.

News

Eid Prayers at Eidgah Srinagar Suspended Due to Ground Conditions: Darakhshan Andrabi

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BJP's Andrabi

Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, announced on Wednesday that Eid prayers will not take place at Eidgah Srinagar due to the ground’s inadequate condition.

Addressing the media in Rajbagh, Dr. Andrabi emphasized that this year, ‘Namaz E Eid’ cannot be held at Eidgah Srinagar owing to the subpar state of the ground. However, she assured that efforts are underway to enhance the ground’s condition, promising that Eid prayers will resume at Eidgah Srinagar soon.

Additionally, sources within the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board revealed to Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a significant renovation project for Eidgah Srinagar is in the works and will commence shortly.

News

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti Urges Action on AFSPA and Troop Withdrawal in Jammu and Kashmir

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mehboba mufti

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the importance of Union Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement regarding the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the withdrawal of troops from Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti stated that these actions were an integral part of the party’s Agenda of Alliance (AoA), which was mutually agreed upon by the BJP during the formation of the government after the 2014 elections.

Expressing hope that the central government would fulfill its commitment, Mufti highlighted the potential relief such actions could bring to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She conveyed these sentiments via the micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), reiterating the PDP’s consistent demand for the revocation of AFSPA and the gradual withdrawal of troops.

However, Mufti cautioned against empty promises, referencing previous pledges such as the generation of two crore jobs annually and the deposit of 15 lakhs into bank accounts. She emphasized the need for genuine action rather than mere rhetoric.

Mufti also urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to demonstrate its commitment by releasing journalists and thousands of young Kashmiri boys currently held in jails without charges or prosecution.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently indicated that the government would consider revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, stating that a roadmap for troop withdrawal from the Union Territory was under consideration. In an interview with a Kashmir-based news channel, Shah acknowledged the improving situation in the region and affirmed the government’s commitment to address these issues.

News

Udhampur Lok Sabha Constituency Eight New Nominees file nomination

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On the final day for nomination submissions for the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, an additional eight candidates have stepped forward to file their papers.

Among these candidates are Mehraj Din, running as an Independent Candidate, Rajesh Manchanda representing the Rashtriya Krantikari Samajwadi Party, Ch Lal Singh of the Indian National Congress, Divya Suraj Partap Singh also from the Indian National Congress, Sachin Gupta from the Inqalab Vikas Dal (I.V.D), Manoj Kumar from the Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal, Balwan Singh of the J&K National Panthers Party, and Dr. Pankaj Sharma running independently. They lodged their nomination papers at the office of the Returning Officer.

With the inclusion of these eight contenders, the total count of candidates vying for the 4-Udhampur PC seat rises to fifteen.The scrutiny of these nomination papers is slated for March 28, 2024, at 01:00 PM.Candidates have the option to withdraw their nominations until March 30, 2024, before 03:00 PM, at the office of the Returning Officer.This constituency is set for Elections in the first phase of General Elections, scheduled for April 19.

News

J&K Power Department Warns Against Strikes: Legal Citing and Supreme Court Ruling Highlighted

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The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) has issued a stern warning to its employees, cautioning them against resorting to strikes or demonstrations. In a circular dated March 26, 2024 (Circular No. 03-JK PDD of 2024), the department emphasized adherence to government instructions, the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, and a Supreme Court ruling regarding such actions.

The circular highlighted concerns about certain employees engaging in demonstrations and strikes to support assumed demands, branding such actions as entirely illegal. It referenced Rule 20 (ii) of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, which unequivocally prohibits government employees from participating in or supporting any form of strike related to their service or that of any other government employee.

Furthermore, the circular drew attention to SRO-160 dated July 14, 1995, which prohibits Gazetted officers from forming associations. It specified that recognition of Service Associations could be withdrawn if they were found to violate service conduct rules or fail to meet specified conditions.

Additionally, the circular cited a communication from the General Administration Department in 2023, cautioning government employees against engaging in unwarranted demonstrations and strikes, deeming such actions as serious acts of indiscipline and misconduct.

Referencing a Supreme Court ruling in the case of T.K. Rangarajan vs Government of Tamil Nadu (SC 2003), the circular emphasized that employees do not possess fundamental, statutory, or moral rights to strike, as there is no law supporting it. It underscored that strikes disrupt society and governance, and employees must seek redress through established mechanisms rather than resorting to strikes, which often lead to chaos and maladministration.

The circular concluded by warning employees that any intention to strike or organize demonstrations would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

This warning from the J&K Power Department comes amidst concerns over disruptions caused by strikes and demonstrations and underscores the importance of adherence to legal provisions and established channels for grievance redressal.

News / Politics

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Signals Potential AFSPA Revocation, Troop Withdrawal in Jammu and Kashmir

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Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed the Centre’s readiness to consider lifting the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Jammu and Kashmir, indicating a shift in strategy for the region.

In an interview with Gulistan News, Shah highlighted the improving situation in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “We are swiftly considering the revocation of AFSPA from the region, signaling a state of change.”

Addressing the reduced footprint of security forces, Shah emphasized the government’s roadmap for troop withdrawal, which will be implemented post-elections. He praised the transformation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, once distrusted by New Delhi, now leading law enforcement efforts.

Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the J&K Police, which now handles most encounters and receives central forces solely for support, reflecting a notable shift in approach.

News

Gujjar & Bakerwal hostel Gogji Bagh Srinagar Starts Plantation drive

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A plantation drive was held on Tuesday at Gujjar and Bakerwal hostel in Gogji Bagh area of Srinagar district.The drive was carried out jointly by All Sikh Minority Employees Association, and All Employees Joint Association Kashmir under the banner of All Sikh Minority Employees Association J&K.
Diverse saplings were planted on the occasion with active participation of the members of said employees unions and student community. 
Jugmeet Kour who heads the associations observed that plantation is the key to our survival and employees of Jammu and Kashmir have to give every effort in nation building.
He affirmed that plantation drives combat many environmental issues like deforestation, soil erosion, desertification in semi-arid areas, global warming, and enhancing the beauty and balance of the environment.(KNS)