Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Launches FM 91.2 Community Radio Station for Societal Engagement and Student Learning

Islamic University of Science and Technology

In a significant development, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has been granted a license by the Ministry of Communication, Govt. of India to launch a dedicated community radio station on its campus.

The IUST Community Radio Station, FM 91.2 MHz will serve as a vital platform for conveying the university’s vision and mission, fostering engagement with society, and promoting community outreach.

The station will broadcast a range of programs, including campus news, admission highlights, student-centric content, disaster awareness, environmental concerns, and socio-economic issues, ensuring relevance and engagement with a wide audience.

Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, congratulated the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication on this remarkable achievement and extended special appreciation to Dr. Ruheela Hasan, Dean Outreach, for spearheading this initiative.

He said that the Community Radio Station will pave the way for effective community outreach and further strengthen IUST’s connection with society. He emphasized that the approval of the community radio station is a testament to IUST’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.

Prof. Romshoo highlighted IUST’s active involvement in various community outreach programs, and expressed confidence that the radio station will further enhance these efforts to promote societal engagement and economic development. He also assured that IUST shall work with local stakeholders, community groups, and individuals to create a platform that promotes social cohesion, cultural diversity, and community empowerment.

The community radio station will provide a unique opportunity for IUST’s Mass Media students to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge in radio broadcasting. The station will also serve as a platform for local artists, writers, and musicians to showcase their talent.

Vice Chancellor, BGSBU Prof. Jawaid Iqbal Meets Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Expresses Gratitude for Support to BGSBU

Prof. Jawaid Iqbal

Prof. Jawaid Iqbal Vice Chancellor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri (BGSBU) called on Lieutenant Governor and Hon’ble Chancellor BGSBU Shri. Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan. Prof. Jawaid Iqbal expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his support and guidance to the BGSBU.

CEO Kulgam Iqbal Hussain Warns Private Schools Against Violating Winter Break Norms

CEO Kulgam Iqbal Hussain

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Iqbal Hussain has issued a stern warning to private schools in the Kulgam district, cautioning them against using school buildings and buses for tuition classes during the winter break. The warning comes after multiple complaints were received regarding violations of the prescribed guidelines by some private institutions.
CEO Hussain stressed that such activities during the winter break disrupt the intended purpose of the holidays and are a clear violation of the norms. He emphasized that the winter break is a time for students to rest and rejuvenate, and any misuse of school premises or transportation services for unauthorized purposes would be treated with utmost seriousness.
“If any private school is found guilty of utilizing its facilities for tuition classes or other unauthorized activities, strict action will be taken, including the revocation of the school’s registration,” warned Hussain.
The warning serves as a reminder to educational institutions to uphold the integrity of the winter holidays and ensure that students are given the opportunity to enjoy their well-deserved break. Hussain urged all school administrations to comply with the guidelines and refrain from any actions that would jeopardize students’ welfare during this time.
The CEO’s dir

ective underlines the government’s commitment to ensuring that students receive both quality education and the rest they are entitled to during the winter break.(KNS)

University of Kashmir Postpones all Exams Scheduled on Dec-30

Kashmir University

The University of Kashmir (KU) on Sunday postponed all exams that were scheduled to be held on December 30 i.e, on Monday.

In a communique issued by KU, said, “In view of the inclement weather, all examinations of the University of Kashmir, scheduled to be held on December-30 are postponed.”It also said that the fresh dates for postponed papers will be notified separately.

SKUAST-K Scholar Mehnaz Shakeel Secures First Rank in INSPIRE Fellowship

Mehnaz Shakeel, a PhD scholar

Mehnaz Shakeel from SKUAST-Kashmir Tops INSPIRE Fellowship, Secures Prestigious First Rank

Mehnaz Shakeel, a PhD scholar in Plant Pathology at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir), has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the first rank in the INSPIRE Fellowship, awarded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

The INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Fellowship is designed to encourage young researchers to pursue advanced studies in fields such as basic and applied sciences, including agriculture. Mehnaz’s research work is supervised by Prof. Anwar Ali, who has been providing guidance throughout her academic journey.

This fellowship provides a monthly stipend along with financial support for research-related expenses, offering assistance for up to five years, ensuring her doctoral studies progress smoothly.

In response to this significant achievement, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, extended his congratulations to Mehnaz, emphasizing that her success is a testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing high-quality research. “Mehnaz has made us proud by securing the first position in this esteemed fellowship at the national level. We wish her all the best as she continues her academic and research journey,” he remarked.

This recognition further underscores the growing prominence of SKUAST-Kashmir scholars in national research initiatives and reinforces the institution’s dedication to advancing agricultural sciences.

Kashmir University Postpones Exams Scheduled on Dec-28

Kashmir University

Following snowfall in valley, the Kashmir University (KU) on  Friday postponed all examinations that were scheduled to be held on December.

In a communiqué KU said, “In view of the inclement weather condition, all examinations of KU scheduled to be held on 28-12-2024 stands postponed.”It reads that the fresh dates for the postponed papers shall be notified separately.

Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Secures Prestigious FIST Grant for Research in Physics and Chemistry Departments

Islamic University of Science and Technology

University is committed to fostering an ecosystem of impactful research and innovation, said VC Islamic University of Science and Technology ,Under the DST’s FIST scheme, the physics and chemistry departments have been awarded a research grant of over 2 crores. The departments had applied in response to the call for proposals, and after rigorous evaluation followed by faculty interaction with expert panels, the research proposals were approved.
Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), congratulated the faculty from the Departments on receiving the prestigious FIST grant from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. He said that “this recognition underscores IUST’s academic excellence and research potential, enabling significant enhancement of scientific infrastructure and capabilities. The grant will empower faculty and students to pursue cutting-edge research, fostering innovation and addressing societal problems.” Prof Romshoo also said that a vibrant research ecosystem is a sine qua non for impactful innovations and discovery of solutions to the pressing issues of the present and the future.
Prof A H Moon, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof Sheikh Javid, Dean of Research; Prof A Wahid, Registrar; and Mr. Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer, also congratulated the departments on the award. The grant provides for the upgradation of research infrastructure, enabling research in emerging and disruptive areas of science and technology. Under the IDP of the IUST, thrust areas have been identified for each department and assigned to interdepartmental research teams to leverage their expertise in diverse fields and realize synergy. Prof Moon added that under a concerted effort and strategic policy, the university has, in a short period of time, bagged over 200 projects valued at over 100 crores. While many have been successfully completed, some are at advanced stages of completion, signaling the commitment of IUST to fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Government Degree College Baramulla Organizes Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme in Collaboration with JKEDI

Government Degree College Baramulla

The Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (II&E) Cell, in collaboration with the Department of Business Administration of Government Degree College (Autonomous), Baramulla, and the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), District Center Baramulla, organized a day-long Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme on the theme “J&K Start-Up Policy 2024-27: Role of JKEDI in Start-Ups.” The event, held at the New Conference Hall of the College, focused on fostering entrepreneurial awareness and building a start-up culture among students.

The programme began with opening remarks by Dr. Syed Mutahar Aaqib, Coordinator ARIIA and II&E Cell, who provided an overview of the initiative and stressed the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students. 

In his welcome address, Principal Prof. Mohammad Shafi Lone emphasized the necessity of entrepreneurship in the contemporary world, urging individuals to become job creators rather than job seekers. Prof. Lone highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and institutions like JKEDI to establish a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and congratulated the organizers for their efforts in this direction.

Dr. Humaira Qadri, Convenor of the II&E Cell, underscored the cell’s achievements and reinforced the significance of fostering entrepreneurial culture in higher education institutions. She shared the college’s initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Dr. Afshan Yousuf Khan, Head of the Department of Business Administration, introduced the esteemed speakers, paving the way for the technical sessions.

The first session, led by Dr.Navreen Tariq, Assistant Faculty at JKEDI, explored the importance of entrepreneurship in making the region self-sufficient. She highlighted key sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, and dairy, which hold potential for substantial growth and development. 

The second session, conducted by Mr. Ayat Ullah Bashir, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Baramulla, provided an in-depth overview of the J&K Start-Up Policy 2024-27. He discussed the benefits available to students pursuing entrepreneurship alongside their education and elaborated on the roles of mentorship, angel investors, and venture capitalists in supporting start-ups.

The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, during which students actively engaged with the speakers, seeking clarity on various entrepreneurial aspects. Their queries were addressed with expert insights, making the session highly interactive and enriching.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo, Staff Secretary and Advisor to the II&E Cell, encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path in light of shrinking job markets. He motivated them to identify opportunities and create avenues across diverse sectors.

The event concluded with the presentation of mementos to the guest speakers as a token of appreciation. Dr. Afshan Yousuf Khan extended a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors. Moderated by Dr. Syed Mutahar Aaqib, the programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty and students across various departments, m

Centre for International Relations Alumni Engagement Event at Islamic University of Science and Technology Highlights Alternate Career Pathways for Students

IUST’s CIR hosted an Alumni

The Centre for International Relations (CIR) at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) hosted an Alumni Talk and Interaction Event in December. The event featured Mr. Adil Bashir, an esteemed alumnus of the Centre, as the keynote speaker.

The event was aimed to prepare and motivate students about alternate career pathways. The interactive event revolved around conversations about career guidance, practical insights and strategies for navigating diverse career opportunities. The event was moderated by Dr. Shakoor A. Wani, Assistant Professor at CIR and was attended by faculty members and students from the CIR and other departments at the IUST.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students asked relevant questions regarding various career choices and also expressed their gratitude for the valuable insights shared by the speaker and the faculty members.

Infosys-AI Training Program Launched at Islamic University of Science and Technology to Enhance Employability in AI and ML

Infosys-AI Training Program

Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) launched the 100-hour Infosys-AI Training Program, a transformative initiative under the Finishing School for Employability by Infosys Foundation, in collaboration with ICT Academy. This specialized program by IUST’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is tailored for students of the School of Engineering and Technology and aims to equip them with cutting-edge skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and soft skills to make them industry-ready.

The inaugural session witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including Mr. Lovetesh Kumar, Senior Manager at ICT Academy and Head of the Infosys Foundation Jammu & Kashmir Initiative; Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Dean of Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar of IUST; and Dr. Kaiser Giri, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology. Also in attendance were Mr. Imran, Coordinator from ICT Academy; Dr. Nissar Paul, the program’s soft skills trainer; faculty members; Heads of Departments; and students.

During the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Lovetesh Kumar elaborated on the objectives of the 100-hour AI training program, which integrates technical and soft skills training. He stressed how the program aims to foster critical thinking, enhance practical expertise in AI and ML, and empower students to meet industry demands effectively.

Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Dean of Academic Affairs, spoke about the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping industries globally, and He encouraged students to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills that will pave the way for promising career prospects. Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar of IUST, lauded the initiative as a model collaboration between academia and industry, noting that such programs not only enhance technical competencies but also instill confidence and professionalism in students.

Highlighting the program’s role in bridging academia and industry, Dr. Sajaad Ahmad Lone, Head of Computer Science and Engineering, expressed gratitude to Infosys and ICT Academy for their collaborative efforts. Dr. Lone emphasized the importance of aligning academic learning with industry requirements and preparing students for future challenges in the technology-driven world. Dr. Nissar Paul aims to strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, further enhancing the employability of participants. Mr. Imran, Coordinator from ICT Academy, commended the students’ enthusiasm and assured continuous support from ICT Academy in facilitating such impactful programs.