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BUSINESS

JKTPO successfully concludes IITF-2025, receives exceptional response

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 concluded on a highly successful note, registering on-the-spot sales amounting approximately Rs. 13.50 crore and generating 6000+ business leads for the participating exhibitors.
These results underscore the strong market response to Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse product range, including world-renowned handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural and horticultural products, as well as the growing confidence of buyers and trade visitors in the quality, authenticity and competitiveness of products from the region.
Resounding the success of previous editions, this year’s Pavilion was strengthened with enhanced branding and extensive publicity of J&K’s unique, ODOP and GI-certified products, with promotional displays placed not only across the venue but also at prominent external locations, significantly amplifying the visibility and drawing an even larger and more diverse crowd throughout the fair. This heightened attention transformed the Pavilion into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity and commerce, consistently attracting the domestic and international visitors. The steady engagement facilitated meaningful business interactions for artisans, women entrepreneurs, startups, FPOs, SHGs and cooperative societies. The substantial sales turnover and sizeable pipeline of business leads generated are expected to convert into repeat orders, long-term buyer, seller relationships and expanded market access, ultimately contributing to income generation, employment creation, and inclusive economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior officials lauded the coordinated efforts of participating departments, corporations and partner agencies in curating a vibrant and business-oriented showcase that effectively blended culture with commerce.
The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) reaffirmed its commitment towards extending sustained handholding support to exhibitors for follow-up on leads, participation in future trade fairs and integration with broader export promotion and market linkage initiatives. This will further consolidate Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a reliable sourcing destination for high-quality products.
The strong sales and lead generation at the Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion have also validated the strategic approach of onboarding a diverse mix of exhibitors, including artisans, women-led enterprises, startup ventures, FPOs, SHGs and cooperative societies, who together presented a comprehensive basket of products to the buyers from across India and abroad. The encouraging response from the retail visitors, bulk buyers, e-commerce platforms and institutional purchasers is expected to translate into repeat orders, new market tie-ups and wider brand recall for Jammu and Kashmir’s authentic handicrafts, handlooms, agro and food products in the months ahead.
Looking ahead to IITF 2026, JKTPO plans to further scale up participation from Jammu and Kashmir by onboarding a larger and more diversified pool of exhibitors, deepening sectoral representation and introducing new product lines aligned with emerging market trends. Efforts will focus on enhanced buyer outreach, more structured B2B meetings, digital and e-commerce integration, and stronger branding of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique value propositions, ensuring that the Pavilion not only sustains but surpasses the current year’s performance while creating wider and more durable market opportunities for stakeholders from the Union Territory.

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JAMMU

Brig Pankaj Chib (retd) takes over as Director- Sainik Welfare Department & Secretary Rajya Sainik Board

SAMBA, NOVEMBER 27: Brig Pankaj Chib, SM, VSM (retd) has taken over as the new Director Sainik Welfare Department, J&K and Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board J&K today. A highly distinguished Army veteran, Brig Pankaj Chib, SM, VSM, Retd brings with him over 35 years of exemplary service to the nation.
A graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Brig Pankaj Chib, (Retd) has held numerous operational assignments during his career and has been honoured with the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal for his outstanding contributions. His career profile includes the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), the Higher Command Course and programmes at LBSNAA and IIM Indore. He holds a Master’s in Defence & Strategic Studies and an M.Phil in Defence & Management Studies and has also trained foreign army personnel.
He is widely admired for advocating veterans’ welfare and has been contributing to the resolution of a long-standing welfare matter impacting more than 500 members of the armed forces community in J&K. His steady involvement in the issue reflects his commitment to fairness, transparency and the well-being of serving personnel, veterans and Veer Naris.
Colleagues note that his efforts have given renewed visibility and momentum to a case that had remained unresolved for years.

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BUSINESS

J&K Bank Board approves capital raise of Rs 1250 Cr to support future growth

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 27: J&K Bank has announced that the Board-of-Directors, in a meeting held on 26th November 2025, has approved raising capital aggregating up to Rs 1250 Crore to strengthen the Bank’s balance sheet and support its future growth plans.
In a regulatory filing, the Bank said that the capital raise comprises Rs 750 Crore of Equity Share Capital through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) in one or more tranches and Rs 500 Crore through issuance of Non-Convertible, Redeemable, Unsecured, BASEL III-compliant Tier 2 bonds in the nature of debentures on a private placement basis, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
Commenting on the Board’s decision, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, “The approval to raise fresh capital underscores the Board’s confidence in the Bank’s trajectory and strengthens our ability to pursue calibrated growth. The infusion will further enhance our capital adequacy, support business expansion across key sectors, enhance our ability to absorb risk thereby reinforcing our long-term commitment to improved asset quality, profitability, and shareholder value.”
He further added, “The leadership remains focused on building a strong, resilient and future-ready Bank by strengthening its ability to grow sustainably while meeting future business and regulatory requirements.”

Categories
CRIME

Police foil narcotics smuggling attempt in Anantnag; 24.5 Kgs of contraband substance recovered

Anantnag, November 26: In a significant action against drug menace, Police in Anantnag recovered a large quantity of contraband and foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotic substances in the jurisdiction of Police Station Pahalgam.
A police party from PS Pahalgam, deputed for census duty to village Awoora, was proceeding towards Awoora Nallah in a departmental TATA Sumo when they noticed a suspicious individual pushing an iron-made single-tyre handcart loaded with multiple sacks. On spotting the police vehicle, the unidentified male abandoned the cart and escaped into the adjoining forest area.
The police team immediately secured the abandoned cart and inspected the sacks. During the examination, the sacks were found to contain half-dried bhang leaves, weighing a total of 24.50 kilograms.
In this regard, a case vide FIR No. 76/2025 under relevant sections has been registered at Police Station Pahalgam and investigation was initiated. During the course of investigation, the accused was identified as Gulam Nabi Khatana son of Abdul Rashid resident of Nallah Awoora, who is currently absconding. Efforts are underway to apprehend the accused.
J&K Police remains committed to eliminating the drug menace from society and urges the public to cooperate by sharing any information related to narcotic activities.

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BUSINESS

Doda Artisans Shine at UT Level Awards 2024–25

Bring Pride to Bhaderwah’s Rich Craft Heritage

DODA, NOVEMBER 26: In a proud moment for the artisan community of District Doda, two talented women artisans from Bhaderwah— Ramna Devi and Aniza Mushtaq—have been honoured with prestigious UT Level Handicrafts Artisans Awards 2024–25.

Their achievements highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural richness of the region.

Showcasing the traditional art of Kora Dabka, a unique and centuries-old craft indigenous to Bhaderwah, Ramna Devi bagged the 1st Prize, receiving a cash award of ₹50,000 along with a certificate of recognition. This marks a historic moment as Kora Dabka has been acknowledged for the first time at the UT level, bringing long-awaited recognition to this rare and intricate craft form.

Similarly, Aniza Mushtaq earned distinction by winning the 2nd Prize in Paper Machie Craft, receiving ₹30,000 and a certificate. Her creative excellence reflects the vibrant artistic talent nurtured in the Doda region, further strengthening the district’s reputation in the field of traditional handicrafts.

The Department of Handicrafts, Doda, extended heartfelt congratulations to both artisans, appreciating their dedication, skill and contribution to preserving the cultural legacy of Bhaderwah. Their achievements are expected to inspire many young artisans to pursue traditional crafts and uplift the local handicraft sector.

Categories
SPORTS

Satish Sharma attends inaugurals of 42nd Junior National Tennikoit Championship

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 26: Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, IT, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, today attended inaugurals of the 42nd Junior (Boys & Girls) National Tennikoit Championship which commenced today at Green Field, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
The five-day national championship, organized under the aegis of the Tennikoit Federation of India and the J&K Tennikoit Association, in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council and the Department of Youth Services & Sports, has brought together nearly 550 players and officials from 23 States and Union Territories.
Satish Sharma interacted with the players and officials and applauded the high level of enthusiasm and participation. He said : “It is encouraging to see young athletes from across the nation gather in Jammu with such passion and sportsmanship. National championships like this reinforce unity, promote healthy competition, and contribute to the overall development of youth. The government remains committed to providing every support to nurture sports talent in Jammu & Kashmir.”
Senior representatives of the Tennikoit Federation of India, the J&K Tennikoit Association and the J&K Sports Council were also present and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and the spirited environment at the venue.

Categories
EDUCATION

Lieutenant Governor Attends 3rd Aerosol Winter School on “Atmospheric Aerosol, Cloud & Climate Science” at Central University of Jammu

The biggest challenge before the scientific community is to accurately predict cloudbursts with precise and long-term forecasts. We must work together in developing new machine learning models, refining real-time data integration to provide timely and clear alerts to authorities and the public: LG Sinha

Lieutenant Governor urges scientists, Artificial Intelligence experts to join hands for a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow

Let us dedicate ourselves to tackle climate challenges, advance clean energy, and strengthen the environmental resilience: LG Sinha

Our government remains committed to promote scientific collaboration, enhance quality research, and to support transformative projects in solar energy, water security, rural connectivity, and pollution abatement to secure a prosperous future for J&K UT: LG

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 26: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the 3rd Aerosol Winter School on “Atmospheric Aerosol, Cloud & Climate Science” at Central University of Jammu.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the biggest challenge before the scientific community is to accurately predict cloudbursts with precise and long-term forecasts.
He emphasised that all the stakeholders must work together in developing new machine learning models, refining real-time data integration to provide timely and clear alerts to authorities and the public.
The Lieutenant Governor urged scientists and Artificial Intelligence experts to join hands for a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow.
“Let us dedicate ourselves to tackle climate challenges, advance clean energy, and strengthen the environmental resilience,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remains committed to promote scientific collaboration, enhance quality research, and to support transformative projects in solar energy, water security, rural connectivity, and pollution abatement to secure a prosperous future for UT of Jammu Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor, on the occasion, launched “Atmos Kids-the Gen Alpha Change-makers”, a joint initiative by Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre, Central University of Jammu and Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), INSA.
‘Atmos Kids’ is an initiative to educate, orient and foster competence in school students to create an alert, aware and active community of alpha generation kids. These changemakers will be the future ambassadors connecting science to society by further spreading knowledge on the importance of atmosphere and the role of aerosol particles in modulating air quality, climate and ecosystem health.
The 3rd Aerosol Winter School was organized by the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research (H2A2CR) Centre in collaboration with Department of Environmental Sciences, Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), ETH Zürich Switzerland.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu (CUJ); Shri Vasu Yadav, Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Committee; Dr. Zamin Kanji, Group Leader ETH Zürich Switzerland, and Heads of Departments, faculty members and students were present.

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BUSINESS

With better back-rest, modern looms to facilitate carpet trainees

25 out of 50 carpet training centres covered in Phase 1 under CAPEX 2025-26

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 26: Complimenting the Union Ministry of Textiles’ efforts towards revival of carpet industry, the Handicrafts and Handlooms Department, Kashmir, has procured 25 Modified Modern Steel Looms for its Carpet Weaving Training Centres in Phase 1, under CAPEX 2025-26.
This comes as a top up to the 100 additional carpet looms for beneficiary weavers, sanctioned by the Ministry of Textiles for the current financial year, under its ‘Wool Processing Scheme’ of the Central Wool Development Board.
Sharing details in a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Department stated that 25 training centres out of 50 shall be provided the modified looms, facilitating better hands-on training to the youth. “In Phase 2, the remaining 25 training centres will also be provided with the modified looms, with funding released by the Government,” he added.
The spokesman further stated that the new steel looms have been designed with suitable back-rest, powered with comfortable seating arrangement and leg space for the trainees, factoring in health concerns. “These efforts shall go a long way in reviving the famed hand-knotted carpet industry, which has already secured GI registration, based on the source of origin and the unique Taleem feature imbibed in the carpet weaving craft,” he added.

Categories
JAMMU

CM Omar Abdullah reviews the development scenario of Poonch District

Stresses on timely funds utilization and visible impact on ground

 

POONCH, NOVEMBER 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today conducted an extensive review of the developmental landscape of Poonch district, taking a detailed assessment of the pace of ongoing works, funds utilisation and overall progress of key infrastructure projects and welfare schemes.
Chairing the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister underscored the need for timely utilisation of allocated funds, strict adherence to set timelines and ensuring visible outcomes on the ground. He directed all departments to accelerate project execution so that benefits reach people without delay.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar, and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; the District Development Council Chairperson; and the MLAs of Poonch district. Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, senior district officers, heads of departments and other concerned officials were also present.
Representatives from Poonch, including the DDC Chairperson and MLA Poonch-Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan and MLA Surankote Choudhary Mohammad Akram raised several issues and demands related to infrastructure gaps, public service delivery and sector-specific priorities of the district.
Responding to the submissions, the Chief Minister assured that all issues, grievances, and demands of the people of Poonch will be addressed on priority. He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and stressed on the need to resolve administrative and procedural hurdles to ensure seamless progress.
He noted that the government’s top priority is the holistic development of far-flung and remote areas and district-wise review meetings are being conducted to understand local needs and developmental expectations directly from stakeholders.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government has intensified its focus on strengthening road connectivity, upgrading public infrastructure, improving educational facilities and boosting the economic growth of the region. These interventions, he said, are vital for ensuring equitable growth and improving the quality of life of the people.
He directed officials to maintain close interdepartmental coordination, regularly monitor progress and ensure accountability at all levels.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma delivered a presentation on the status of projects under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), UT capex, and various flagship programmes. He highlighted some bottlenecks and issues affecting project completion.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that the district has recorded substantial progress under the District Capex Budget, including achievements in road connectivity, water supply, education, health, rural development, social welfare and power infrastructure. Key ongoing works include the NH-144A tunnel, RTS double-lane road, Parnai Hydroelectric Project, construction of girls’ hostels and G&B hostels, Mini Secretariats at Poonch and Mendhar, Eklavya Model Residential School and major bridges at Mandi and Mendhar. The meeting was informed that over
1,100 bunkers have been completed, significantly enhancing border-area safety.
It was further informed that under social sector schemes, Poonch achieved 100% family coverage under Ayushman Bharat–Sehat scheme, full saturation under NSAP, and high progress in PMAY, PM-Poshan, PM SHRI, and PMMVY. Agriculture and allied sectors also reported notable achievements under HADP, including protected cultivation, mushroom units, bee-keeping clusters, mechanisation support, and soil-testing facilities.
The Chief Minister called for time-bound resolution of pending issues, including completion of the Mini Secretariat buildings, BRO-related road matters, and clearance of SDRF liabilities, to further accelerate the district’s development momentum.
Later, the Chief Minister, along-with his Cabinet colleagues, e-inaugurated five key development projects worth ₹13.54 crore for Poonch district, including a modern compost making unit at Mendhar and multiple Water Supply Schemes across Haveli and Surankote.
These initiatives will strengthen agriculture, improve safe drinking water access and enhance quality of life for the people.

Categories
CRIME

NCB Srinagar Dismantles Charas Supply Module; 2.730 kg Seized, Three Arrested

Srinagar, November 25, 2025: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Srinagar Zone, has successfully dismantled a narcotics supply module active in the Baramulla–Pulwama belt with the seizure of 2.730 kilograms of charas and the arrest of three accused persons, including the main supplier.
Acting on specific intelligence, on November 20,2025, a team of NCB Srinagar intercepted Bashir Ahmad Malla, R/o Dhobiwan, PS Kunzer, District Baramulla, and recovered 2.730 kg of charas from his possession.
During sustained interrogation and prompt follow-up action with the help of Baramulla Police, i.e., Kunzer Police Station, the NCB team arrested his close associate, Mansoor Ahmad Wani, R/o Dhobiwan, PS Kunzer, District Baramulla, who was actively involved in the supply chain.
NCB Srinagar appreciates the strong cooperation and timely support extended by Baramulla Police, whose proactive assistance played a vital role in the successful execution of the operation and further strengthened inter-agency coordination in the region.
Based on the disclosures of both the accused and subsequent operational intelligence, the main supplier, Abdul Rashid Dar, was apprehended from Pulwama, thereby unearthing the complete trafficking chain.
All accused have a previous criminal history in connection with NDPS cases.
With the arrest of the mastermind, associate, and supplier, the entire module involved in the procurement, transportation, and distribution of the seized contraband has been dismantled. Further investigation is ongoing to identify backward and forward linkages, financial trails, and any inter-state connections.
The establishment of the NCB office in Srinagar is part of the Government of India’s strategic initiative to strengthen narcotics enforcement in Jammu & Kashmir. NCB remains committed to curbing the drug menace, protecting youth, and enhancing cooperation with law enforcement agencies across the Union Territory.
NCB appeals to the public to support the fight against drugs. Citizens may report any information related to narcotics trafficking confidentially on the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline: Toll-Free 1933. The identity of the caller is kept strictly confidential.

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