SKUAST-K Wadura Celebrates World Soil Day 2025 with Awareness Events, Competitions and Calls for Sustainable Urban Development

SKUAST-K Wadura

The programme was graced by Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, who served as the Chief Guest. World Soil Day, internationally recognized following a recommendation by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002, aims to raise global awareness about the alarming rate of soil degradation, its environmental impact, and the need for sustainable soil management. The observance underscores the indispensable role of soil in sustaining life on Earth. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel This year’s global theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” reflected the growing challenge of maintaining soil health amid rapid urban expansion. The theme highlights how healthy soils underpin urban well-being-supporting food security, water purification, green infrastructure, climate resilience, and overall quality of life.

The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. Mohammad Auyoub Bhat, who described soil as “the quiet engine that sustains urban life.” He emphasized that soil is not only vital for agriculture and rural ecosystems but also for the sustainability, resilience, and ecological balance of modern cities. In his keynote address, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, enlightened students on the significance of World Soil Day. He cautioned against unplanned urbanization and the unchecked spread of concrete structures, both of which threaten soil health. He called upon policymakers, urban planners, civil society members, and citizens to adopt nature-based solutions and innovative technologies to protect soil resources and promote sustainable urban development.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with faculty members and soil scientists. To mark the occasion, a series of engaging competitions-including quiz, speech, painting, and a mock farmer-expert interaction were organized, showcasing student’s creativity, awareness, and commitment to soil conservation. Winners of the various competitions were felicitated with prizes during the ceremony.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. M. H. Chesti, who acknowledged the contributions of faculty, students, and the organizing committees for the successful conduct of the programme.

Jammu & Kashmir Anjuman-e-Shari Shian Raise Alarm Over Possible Harmful Chemicals in Eggs, Urge Transparent Testing and Public Disclosure

Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi

Under the auspices of Jammu & Kashmir Anjuman-e-Shari Shian, the imams at all major Friday centres including Markazi Imambara Budgam, Qadeemi Imambara Hasanabad Srinagar, Imambara Yagipora Magam, Jamia Masjid Abi Guzar Srinagar, Imambara Gamdu Bandipora, and other places expressed deep concern in their Friday sermons over the apprehensions regarding harmful chemicals, especially nitrofurans, allegedly found in eggs circulating in the Valley. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to a statement issued here reads that they termed it an extremely serious issue connected to public health, religious injunctions, and moral responsibility.Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, President of Anjuman-e-Shari Shian, while delivering the Friday sermon at Markazi Imambara Budgam, referred to the Qur’anic verse “Eat of the pure things We have provided for you” and stated that in Islam, it is not enough for food to be merely halal rather, it must also be pure, safe, and wholesome.
 He questioned whether the eggs currently available in the markets are free from harmful and prohibited chemicals, noting that according to modern research, such substances can cause cancer and damage to the cellular structure of the body.
He reminded the congregation that just a few months ago, a major scandal involving rotten meat had surfaced in the Valley. Even then, responsible authorities had announced strict action, yet no effective steps were taken in practice. Agha Sahib said that if silence is maintained over this issue as well, history will repeat itself.
Referring to the saying of the Prophet Muhammad ?, “Whoever deceives us is not from among us,” he emphasized that adulteration and playing with people’s health is a grave religious crime, and the silence of the authorities also amounts to a betrayal of trust.
Agha demanded that a free, transparent, and unbiased scientific examination of eggs across Jammu & Kashmir be conducted; the results of these tests be made public; and strict legal action be taken against anyone found guilty. He added that this issue is not merely the responsibility of the administration but a religious, moral, social, and human duty and negligence or delay can lead to a major tragedy.
In conclusion, Agha Sahib prayed that Allah protect us from all forms of forbidden, doubtful, and harmful food, and grant purity and blessings in our sustenance.(KNS)

JKNC’s Taviq Sadiq Seeks Urgent Probe After Banned Drug Residues Reported in Market Eggs

Market Eggs

Expressing serious concern over reports of banned drug residues being detected in eggs sold in markets, MLA Zadibal and the JKNC’s Chief Spokesperson Tavir Sadiq on Thursday urged the government to initiate an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a post on X, Sadiq said laboratory findings have indicated the presence of nitrofuran and nitroimidazole, drugs strictly prohibited for use in food-producing animals due to their carcinogenic and toxic effects.

He said the issue assumes greater gravity as eggs are widely consumed by children, senior citizens and patients, and are often recommended by doctors as a primary protein source. “This is a direct public-health risk and cannot be taken lightly,” he warned.

Sadiq called upon the Health Minister Sakina Ittoo and Food & Supplies Minister Satish Sharma, along with the Food & Supplies Department and Food Safety authorities, to carry out residue testing across major markets, trace the supply chain and take strict action against those responsible.

“For the safety of our people, there can be no compromise. This must be treated with utmost urgency,” he said.

His remarks come amid circulating reports, including one from The420.in, claiming that contaminated eggs linked to a particular brand triggered nationwide food-safety concerns.

Two Missing Minors Traced and Safely Recovered Within Hours by Kulgam Police

TA soldier Abid Hussain Bhat goes missing

Police Station Qaimoo received information that a minor girl from Redwani Payeen, aged around 07 years, had left her home on her bicycle at approximately 1000 hours and had not returned.

During verification, it was found that her juvenile cousin, aged around 13 years, who had been playing with her at their residence, had also gone missing along with his bicycle.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Family members searched among relatives, but both children remained untraced. After the family posted an appeal for help on Facebook, some unknown callers attempted to mislead them with ransom-related calls.

Considering the sensitivity of the matter, SSP Kulgam constituted a police team to trace the missing children. The team pursued all available leads, analysed CCTV footage, and utilised technical assistance to track the movement of the minors.

Through swift and coordinated efforts, the police team successfully traced both children at Janglat Mandi, Anantnag, within two hours of the matter being reported, ensuring their safe recovery.

Both minors were safely handed over to their families after completion of necessary legal formalities.

SSP Kulgam appeals to the general public to remain vigilant regarding the safety of their children and to report such matters to police without delay.

He also urged media persons to strictly refrain from sharing photographs, identities, or any personal details of juveniles while reporting such cases.

Two Kupwara Residents Arrested in Arunachal Pradesh for Alleged Espionage and Sharing Sensitive Army Information

drug peddlers in Srigufwara

 Arunachal Pradesh Police has arrested two persons hailing from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district for their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, including collecting and transmitting sensitive military information related to army and paramilitary movements in the state, police said on Wednesday, as per a report in the Hindustan Times.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The police identified the accused as Nazir Ahmad Malik, a resident of Kupwara district and Sabir Ahmed Mir, also from Kupwara. Police said they were arrested on charges of espionage and alleged links to Pakistan-based handlers.

As per an FIR (first information report) filed by the officer-in-charge of Chimpu police station, the first suspect, Nazir Ahmad Malik, was detained on November 22 from a rented house in Ganga village following “credible and actionable” intelligence inputs about his activities.

According to police, Malik admitted to sharing troop deployment details and information on army installations with foreign handlers through encrypted Telegram channels.

Police claim he also disclosed receiving instructions for acts including placing explosives and arson aimed at destabilising security establishments.

Two mobile phones recovered from Malik were examined.

Based on Malik’s statement, police later arrested Sabir Ahmed Mir from the Abotani Colony area of Itanagar.

A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the arrests followed “critical intelligence inputs” from outside Arunachal Pradesh.

“Their main handler, believed to be operating from outside the state, remains untraceable. Both accused are in judicial custody. The case is being pursued diligently as it concerns national security,” the officer said.

The FIR notes that deleted data retrieved from Mir’s phone has strengthened suspicion about his involvement in a wider espionage network.

A preliminary assessment by police suggests that both men were coordinating with “hostile foreign operatives” and were part of a larger plan to compromise national security and disturb public order.
The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Official Secrets Act, and relevant provisions of state law.

Mehbooba Mufti Urges High Court to Shift Undertrials After Woman Walks to Jammu to See Jailed Son

mehboba mufti

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said she was hoping for a compassionate view from the High Court on her plea to transfer Kashmiri detainees to jails within the valley.

She has submitted a petition to the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the matter.The former chief minister posted on X an undated video of a woman who claimed she was en route to Jammu to meet her jailed son at Kot Bhalwal jail.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The unidentified woman claimed she will foot the 270-kilometre distance as there was no traffic on the road to Jammu.“This heartbreaking video of a mother’s desperation to walk hundreds of miles from Kashmir to Kot Bilawal Jail in Jammu just to see her imprisoned son shows the silent suffering of families whose loved ones are kept in faraway prisons.

“It’s why I approached the Honourable High Court to request that undertrials be shifted to their native jails so families can visit them with dignity and support their legal fight. Hoping for a compassionate view,” Mufti said in the post on X.

Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir Files Chargesheet Against Four Accused in Major Srinagar Land Fraud Case

Economic Offences Wing

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has submitted a chargesheet in FIR No. 18/2025 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, and 120-B of the IPC before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against four accused individuals involved in a major land fraud case.

According to a statement issued here, The chargesheet has been filed against Shabir Ahmad Ganie, Bashir Ahmad Ganie, Javeed Ahmad Hakak (then Pathwari), and a deceased Pathwari, for their alleged role in preparing and using fake land documents to cheat innocent purchasers.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The case originated from a joint complaint filed by multiple victims who had purchased 8 Kanals of land through brokers. Of this, 4 Kanals were shown transferred in the name of one complainant under Khasra No. 92, 2 Kanals in the name of another under Khasra No. 99, and the remaining 2 Kanals in the name of the third complainant’s father. Despite the purported transfers, no legitimate documents were provided. Subsequent verification revealed that the mutation numbers shared by the brokers were forged and fabricated.

During investigation at Police Station EOW Srinagar, it emerged that the accused, acting in criminal conspiracy, had prepared fake land documents and misled the complainants into believing the transactions were genuine. In doing so, they extracted Rs. 25 lakhs, causing substantial financial loss to the victims.
The probe established prima facie evidence of cheating, forgery, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy. Subsequently, the chargesheet has been produced before the court for judicial determination.

The EOW reiterates its commitment to protecting citizens from economic crimes and ensuring justice through professional and thorough investigations.

Pampore Court Convicts Six Accused in 2017 Cases, Awards Jail Term and Fines

court

In a significant development, the Judicial Magistrate Ist Class (JMIC) Pampore has convicted six accused persons in connection with FIR No. 46/2017 and FIR No. 48/2017 registered at Police Station Pampore. The cases pertain to offences under Sections 147, 148, 149, 354, 323, 506, 427, 336, and 447 IPC.

A police spokesperson said after a full and fair trial, the Court awarded one-month simple imprisonment for each offence to all six accused.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In addition, a fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed on each accused, along with Rs 20,000 as compensation to the complainant, acknowledging the harm and inconvenience suffered by the victim.

This conviction marks a notable achievement for Police Station Pampore, reflecting its consistent efforts in securing justice, particularly in long-pending cases.

The timely investigation, proper documentation, and meticulous preservation of evidence by the investigating team played a crucial role in presenting a strong case before the Court.

The prosecution was effectively conducted by Prosecuting Officer, Noveed Sarwar Khan, whose clear legal submissions, structured presentation of evidence, and professional courtroom conduct were instrumental in securing the conviction.

His efforts, complemented by the diligent work of Police Pampore, resulted in establishing a complete, consistent, and credible evidentiary record.

J&K Police has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring swift and fair investigations, and delivering justice to victims.

he successful outcome of this case underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between the investigating agency and the prosecution in strengthening the criminal justice system.

Kashmir: Power Shutdown on December 14 to Affect Multiple Areas, Confirms KPDCL

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, shutdown of 33 KV Exhibition line will be observed from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM and shutdown of 33 KV Pampore-SIDCO line will be observed from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM, due to which power supply to Batamaloo, Baranpather, Chief Office KPDCL Distribution, HSHS, Exhibition, IE Khrew and Cement Plants of Khrew and Wuyan and adjoining areas will be affected on 14 December, 2025.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

NIA Arrests Another key accused Dr Bilal Naseer Malla in Delhi Bomb Blast Conspiracy

Anti-National Activities

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday said that it have arrested another key accused in connection with last month’s Delhi bomb blast case.In a handout to GNS, the NIA Said that Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla of Baramulls is the 8th accused to be arrested in the case RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI. He was nabbed by an NIA team from Delhi.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

NIA found him involved in the conspiracy behind the terrorist attack that killed 11 persons and injured several others in the Red Fort area. As per NIA investigations, Bilal had knowingly harboured the deceased accused Umar Un Nabi by providing him  logistical support. He is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack.

NIA is continuing with its investigation into the conspiracy behind the deadly terror act. The anti-terror agency is working closely with various central and state agencies to unravel all the threads of the conspiracy reads the statement.