Participants from across India to attend intensive football coach education programme
Srinagar, Sept 05: To strengthen coach education and promote professional football training in the region, a 10-day AFC “B” Diploma Coaching Course commenced on Friday at the University of Kashmir (KU). The programme is being organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in collaboration with the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES), KU, and the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI).
A total of 24 football enthusiasts from North India, South India, Central India, and the North-Eastern states are participating in the course, which is designed to provide modern training methodologies, advanced coaching techniques, and updated practices to aspiring football coaches.
Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message, highlighted the importance of the programme, terming it an important step towards nurturing sporting talent in the country.
“The University is committed to promoting sports education alongside academic excellence. Collaborations with premier institutions like AIFF and FPAI provide our youth with global-level exposure and opportunities to excel in sports. Initiatives like these strengthen our resolve to make varsity a hub of sporting talent and professional training,” she said.
Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chishti, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education KU, at the inaugural session, lauded the DPES for conducting impactful activities and termed the course a significant step towards advancing football coaching at the national level.
Prof. Musavir Ahmad, Head, Department of Linguistics and Media Advisor, KU, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the University’s growing partnerships with national sporting bodies and federations.
Earlier, Dr. Surjeet Singh, Coordinator, DPES KU, in his welcome address, said that the Directorate is committed to advancing coach education and skill development in football.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by administrative officers, coaches, AIFF officials, representatives from FPAI, veteran footballers, and several international players.
Srinagar, September 4: The Directorate of Higher Education Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced the suspension of class work in all Government Degree Colleges and Government College(s) of Engineering and Technology (GCETs) across the Union Territory.
According to Order No. 92-DC (HE) of 2025, dated 04-09-2025, the direction has been taken in view of the prevailing adverse weather conditions, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Class work in these institutions will remain suspended till 06th September 2025 (Saturday). Regular academic activities are scheduled to resume from 08th September 2025 (Monday).
The order has been issued by Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K.
Students have been advised to stay updated through official college communication channels and remain indoors, prioritizing their safety during this period of inclement weather.
Achieves 34th rank in university category; maintains top-50 position for third consecutive year
Srinagar, Sept 04: Riding the momentum of its NAAC A++ triumph in May this year, the University of Kashmir (KU) has marked another milestone in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The University has secured 34th rank (57.13 points) in the University Category, a jump from its 45th position (54.43 points) in 2024.
In the Overall Category, KU now stands at 59th rank (54.31 points), compared to 69th rank (52.14 points) last year. It has also achieved an impressive 8th place among all State Public Universities (SPUs) across India, cementing its standing as a top-10 institution in this category. Notably, KU remains the only University from Jammu & Kashmir to feature among the nation’s top-50 universities in the University Category.
This year’s success is powered by stronger performance in Research and Professional Practices (RP), where its score rose to 34.74 from 31.25 in 2024. Within RP, the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR – patents) sub-parameter registered remarkable growth, climbing to 1.25 in 2025 compared to 0.50 in 2024, highlighting the University’s growing emphasis on innovation, patent filings, and technology-driven research. The Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) parameter also recorded progress, with KU scoring 74.05 points, up from 71.14 last year. These gains collectively show KU’s strengthened focus on high-quality research, innovation, and digital learning initiatives.
Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, extended her gratitude to the varsity’s leadership and congratulated the entire KU community on this impressive success.
“Climbing the NIRF tables is a proud moment for all of us. It reflects our collective resolve to raise academic standards, deepen research, and deliver student-centric outcomes. I express my gratitude to our Chancellor, Shri Manoj Sinha; Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Omar Abdullah; Minister for Higher Education J&K, Ms. Sakina Itoo; and Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K Shri Shantmanu (IAS) for their constant guidance and support. I also warmly congratulate our faculty, scholars, students and non- teaching staff whose dedication and hard work have made this milestone possible,” she said.
Prof. Khan also lauded Director DIQA KU, Prof. Manzoor Shah and his entire team for the efforts and professional coordination of the entire ranking exercise.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, said that KU’s upward trajectory reflects a robust academic ecosystem driven by committed faculty, active student engagement, and the integration of research and digital resources across programmes.
Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, noted that KU’s growing national visibility stems from steady gains in publications, patents and technology-led research, positioning the University to expand its impact on society and industry.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that the improved ranking is the outcome of institutional synergy, with faculty, students, researchers and the administration working in tandem towards clearly defined goals.
Notably in May 2025, KU earned the prestigious NAAC A++ grade with the highest CGPA score in its history, becoming the first higher education institution in J&K to be assessed under NAAC’s revised, more rigorous framework. With a third consecutive year in India’s top-50, KU has consolidated its standing as a leading centre of higher learning, research and innovation.
Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K.
TASKEEN ARA
Srinagar, September 3, 2025: In view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Higher Education Department has announced the closure of all Government Degree Colleges, Government College(s) of Engineering and Technology (GCETs), and Private Colleges on Thursday, 4th September 2025.
The direction has been issued through Order No. 90 -DC (HE) of 2025, dated 03.09.2025, by Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K. The move is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
All students, faculty members, and college administrations are advised to stay connected with official channels for any further instructions or updates.
Srinagar, September 3, 2025 — The Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Higher Education Department has ordered the closure of all Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) and Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) institutions across the Jammu and Kashmir Divisions for Wednesday, September 3, 2025, due to ongoing severe weather conditions.
The directive was issued by Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, J&K Higher Education Department, under Order No. 89-DC (HE) of 2025, in continuation of an earlier order (No. 88-DC (HE) of 2025) released on September 2.The region has been experiencing continuous downpour resulting in flood-like situations, prompting precautionary measures by the administration.
“In view of the prevailing bad weather conditions and continuous downpour leading to flood-like situations across the Union Territory, it is hereby ordered that all Government Degree Colleges/GCET in Jammu and Kashmir Divisions shall also remain closed on 3rd September, 2025 (Wednesday),” the order stated.
The decision has been taken to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff amid adverse weather conditions that have disrupted normal life in many areas.
Budgam & Kupwara, August 19: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from society, Police have arrested three drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances from their possession.
A police party from Police Post Soibugh at a checkpoint established at Galwanpora Crossing intercepted a suspicious individual identified as Muzamil Ahmad Khan son of Mohammad Ayoub Khan resident of Bathaar. During search, contraband was recovered from his possession.
In Kupwara, during patrolling at Batergam near the Radio Station, a Police team from Police Station Kupwara intercepted a suspicious vehicle (Hyundai i10 Sports) bearing registration number JK15A-6188 with two persons on board. They have been identified as Afaq Mohiuddin Bhat son of Gh Mohiuddin Bhat resident of Aloosa Bandipore and Muneeba Begum wife of Mehrajudin Bhat resident of Aloosa Bandipore. During search, officers recovered heroin-like substance from them.
Accordingly, cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered at respective police stations and investigations have been initiated.
J&K Police remains committed to its drive against the menace of drugs and appeals to the general public for cooperation.
Baramulla, August 19: Police in Baramulla have successfully solved a Masjid theft case by arresting two accused persons involved in the commission of crime.
On 15/08/2025, Police Station Kunzer received a complaint from Abdul Waseem Sheikh (Lambardar) of Pandithpora Payeen Kunzer, stating that during the intervening night of 13-14/08/2025, unknown persons had stolen the copper steamer from Masjid Shareef Pandithpora.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 85/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation was initiated.
During the course of investigation, officers acting promptly resulting the successful detention of the accused persons, identified as Mohd Eya Kalimim @Ramzan son of Mohd Neshu Sheikh resident of Niyabasti, Kalia Chak, District Malda, Uttar Dariapur, West Bengal and Mohd Haneef Sheikh son of Mohd Rayeesu Sheikh resident of Salipyur, District Malda, Uttar Dariapur, West Bengal. The stolen steamer, valued at approximately ₹1.5 lakh, was recovered on their revelation.
Further investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals involved in the commission of this crime.
J&K Police reiterates its commitment to the safety and security of the public and urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help eliminate anti-social elements from the society.
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 6: Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar organized daylong seminar on “Handicrafts in Shahr-e-Khas: Challenges and Opportunities” today on 06th August 2025.
The event brought together a confluence of renowned artisans, academicians, industrialists, researchers, students, and officials from the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, all committed to rejuvenating the traditional handicrafts sector rooted in the historic downtown Srinagar popularly known as Shahr-e-Khas.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by the Principal of the College, Professor (Dr.) Tehmina Yousuf, who in her presidential address, emphasized the critical need to preserve and revitalize Kashmir’s rich artistic legacy. She underscored the importance of bridging the traditional knowledge systems of artisans with modern market mechanism through academia-industry linkages and innovation. Prof. Tehmina stated that such platforms are vital in creating sustainable, entrepreneurial, and economically viable ecosystems for the region’s heritage crafts.
Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Jhat, Convenor, Innovation & Incubation Centre welcomed the distinguished dignitaries, experts and participants. He elaborated on the College’s vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship especially among the youth in the realm of traditional crafts.
The seminar witnessed insightful deliberations by eminent speakers including, Prof. Arshad Suleh, Head, Department of Art, College of Education, who deliberated on the existential challenges threatening this traditional sector such as limited global exposure, dwindling artisan engagement, and market competition from machine-made replicas.
Dr. Syed Iliyas Rizvi, Founder, Education Revival Through Art & Aesthetics in Kashmir, provided a vivid historical overview of Kashmir’s artisanal legacy. He passionately advocated for youth engagement, institutional support, and policy backing to revive the handicraft sector. gave crystal clear picture of the Art and artesian of the Kashmir in general and Shaher-e-Khaas in particular.
Dr. Syed Iliyas Rizvi, took the audiences back into the days of history when this art was the backbone of Kashmir. Dr. Syed Iliyas Rizvi, stressed the importance of institutional support and youth participation to rejuvenate the handicraft ecosystem. He gave insights picture on heritage conservation, export challenges, design innovation, digital marketing, to policy interventions and incubation opportunities.
Prof. Fayaz A. Nika, Director, DIC Dean, School of Management Studies, Central University of Kashmir, highlighted the role of higher education institutions and scientific innovation in revitalizing the crafts industry and addressing bottlenecks.
Ms. Aamina Asad, Chief Designer, Department of Handicrafts & Handlooms, J&K, and Dr. Yasir A. Mir, Assistant Professor, NIFT Srinagar, who both contributed with key insights on design innovation, modern branding strategies, and digital outreach.
The seminar featured panel discussions and interactive sessions, enabling students, young researchers, and budding entrepreneurs to explore innovative start-up models and business frameworks centered around traditional crafts. Participants deliberated on themes such as heritage conservation, design development, export potential, digitization, marketing, and incubation opportunities.
Several artisans from the downtown areas of Srinagar enriched the event with their lived experiences, highlighting on-ground realities and the resilience of the craft sector. The event also attracted research scholars and experts from reputed institutions and central universities.
Principal Professor Tehmina Yousuf, in her concluding remarks, lauded the Innovation & Incubation Centre for conceptualizing and executing a seminar of contemporary relevance in the campus. She reiterated the College’s commitment towards supporting indigenous craft practices, artisan welfare, and community-based entrepreneurship through sustained academic and institutional engagement.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Zahoor A. Jhat, who expressed sincere gratitude to all speakers, participants, guests, media representatives, and college administration for their support in making the seminar a resounding success. The proceedings of the seminar were eloquently anchored by Miss Tanzella, a 5th Semester student of the College.
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 4 – Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, today announced release of ₹33.34 lakh for the implementation of its Karkhandar Scheme across the Kashmir Division.
This significant financial allocation, disbursed to the respective Assistant Directors of Handicrafts and Handloom, underscores the Government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich artisanal heritage of the region while ensuring the welfare and economic upliftment of craftsmen.
The Karkhandar Scheme, notified in 2021, is a landmark initiative designed to revive languishing crafts like pottery and foster sustainable development of the craft sector in UT of J&K. Implemented by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, the scheme aims to empower artisans, enhance skill development, and boost the livelihoods of craftsmen through structured interventions.
Highlighting its role in revival of languishing crafts, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the Karkhandar Scheme focuses on preserving traditional crafts such as walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet weaving, Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband, papier-mâché, and others like Sozni, tapestry, and engraved copperware, which face a shortage of skilled artisans. “It prioritizes crafts at risk of extinction, ensuring their legacy endures. It also facilitates skill transfer from master craftsmen, including National/State/Shilp Guru awardees, to the younger generation,” he said, adding meritorious trainees from departmental training centres receive advanced training in nearby Karkhanas to enhance their expertise and productivity.
Trainees receive a monthly stipend of ₹2,000 during the six-month training period, disbursed via direct bank transfer. “Karkhandars are provided ₹25,000 in two equal installments to cover logistics, tools, equipment, and raw materials, along with ₹2,000 per trainee per month to support their efforts.
This financial release of Rs. 33.34 lakh will empower Assistant Directors, in first phase, of Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kulgam, and Srinagar districts to accelerate the scheme’s implementation, ensuring artisans receive the necessary resources, training, and support to thrive.
Srinagar, July, 22: The Sadat Mosvi family of Gulshan Bagh, Botta Kadal, Srinagar, is mourning the demise of Zakir Aga Syed Muhammad Mosvi, son of the late Aga Syed Ali Mosvi, who passed away on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, at 6:30 PM at SMHS Hospital, after a brief illness.
People from all walks of life participated in his Funeral Prayers (Nimaz-e-Jinaza) which were led by Aga Syed Hassan Al-Safvi Al-Mosvi and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard Gulshan Bagh Upper Colony, Botta Kadal, Srinagar.
The deceased was a renowned Zakir-e-Ahlul Bayt (A.S), a name held in high regard in religious circles across the region.
His passing has deeply saddened the Sadat community and the wider public, who remember him for his religious devotion, humility, and decades-long service as a Zakir spreading the message of Ahlul Bayt (A.S).
He survived by his sons Syed Yasoob Mosvi and Aga Syed Ali Mosvi. He was also the elder brother of Aga Syed Tahir Mosvi and Aga Syed Ahmad Mosvi.
As per family sources, the congregational Fateha Khawani will be held on Friday, 25th July 2025, at 6:00 AM at the family’s ancestral graveyard in Gulshan Bagh Upper Colony, Botta Kadal. A daylong condolence gathering will follow at Imambara Gulshan Bagh, where relatives, friends, and members of the community will gather to offer Fateha and prayers for the departed soul.
The Valley Observer team held a condolence meeting and expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family, particularly with Aga Syed Ali Mosvi.
The passing of Aga Syed Muhammad Mosvi has created a deep void in the hearts of many. The entire community mourns this great loss and extends sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah (SWT) elevate his soul among the righteous and grant Sabr (patience) to his loved ones.
