Srinagar, Sep 1: In a fresh administrative order, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has given Dr. Piyush Singla, IAS, the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Information Department.
An order issued by General Administrative Department J&K, Dr. Singla, who is presently Secretary, Information Technology Department, and also holding charge of Administrative Secretary, GAD has been asked to look after the Information Department as well.
“The charge will be with Dr. Singla till M. Raju, IAS, remains on leave,” order reads.
KISHTWAR, SEPTEMBER 01: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar leading a revenue team on Monday visited remote villages of Kohal and Chadas (Matti) to assess the damage caused by recent flash floods and landslides. The local Lambardar also accompanied the team during the inspection.
To speed up the process, the revenue team has been divided into smaller groups. Tehsildar Vijay Gupta visited Laie and adjoining villages, while Naib Tehsildar covered the Sohal and Tiyari areas. A team led by local Girdawar has been tasked with the assessment of damages in Karthie and Sazar villages.
The administration has already initiated relief measures for the affected families and assured a fair and transparent evaluation of losses.
Earlier, SDM Paddar had also visited Affani, Jar and Tatapani areas with revenue officials to review the situation.
Meanwhile, electricity has been restored in four feeders of the sub-division, while water supply has also been temporarily restored in the majority of the areas.
The Paddar–Kishtwar road, which was blocked at Kadhail and Trinallah has been reopened for traffic this afternoon.
In an official statement, SDM Paddar urged residents living in vulnerable locations to remain cautious and, if required, shift to safer places as a precaution against further landslides and flash floods.
He assured that timely relief distribution will be carried out as per government guidelines.
Inaugurates Exhibition on Three New Criminal Laws in Ladakh
Lauds Ladakh Police for effective implementation of New Criminal Laws
Leh, September 1: India ushered in a historic reform of its criminal justice system on July 1, 2024, with the implementation of three new laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws replace the colonial-era legislation with a framework aimed at ensuring faster justice, empowering victims, strengthening the use of technology, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
This was stated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, while inaugurating a two-day exhibition on the new criminal laws organised by Ladakh Police at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium Hall at Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar. He was accompanied by First Lady, Smt Bindu Gupta.
The event was attended by LAHDC Leh Deputy Chairman, Tsering Angchuk; Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, DGP Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Executive Councillors and Councillors from LAHDC Leh; Principal Secretary, Sanjeev Khirwar; Principal District and Sessions Judge, Leh, Manoj Parihar; head of religious, political organisations, members of Civil Society Organisations, former MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Vice-Chancellor, UoL, Prof Saket Kushwaha; Vice-Chancellor, CIBS, Prof Rajesh Ranjan; officials from Ladakh Police, heads of departments, government officials and students from various schools were present during the occasion.Best online coursesBest online courses
The Lt Governor said that the new laws reflect the Prime Minister’s vision of a transparent, citizen-centric, and technology-driven justice system that delivers to the last mile. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a decisive step towards replacing outdated colonial frameworks with a legal system rooted in the spirit of justice, equality, and modern governance. These reforms, he said, are not just about legal provisions but about transforming the justice delivery mechanism to make it faster, more accessible, and responsive to the needs of every citizen, including those living in remote regions like Ladakh.”
The Lt Governor highlighted Ladakh’s preparedness in adopting the new laws, commending Ladakh Police for providing extensive training to personnel, equipping investigating officers with tablets and CUG SIMs for digital evidence collection, and conducting mock drills across districts. He said Ladakh Police had also taken initiatives to spread awareness among citizens through social media, TV, radio, schools, colleges, trade unions, women’s groups, and NGOs.Best online courses
Applauding their achievements, Shri Gupta noted that Kargil Police Station became the first in the country to register a case under the new laws, filing a chargesheet within five days and securing conviction. He also mentioned that the Zero FIR system has been successfully integrated with CCTNS, Ladakh has become the first UT to adopt MedLEaPR for instant medico-legal reports, and all police stations have been connected to the CCTNS CAS application for transparent and digital case management.
“This exhibition reflects our commitment to a citizen-centric and technology-driven justice system. Through live demos, mock cases, and digital policing displays, people can see how the new framework is being implemented effectively in Ladakh,” the Lt Governor said and congratulated Ladakh Police and nodal officers for their tireless efforts and expressed hope that the two-day programme would prove highly beneficial for all.
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, in his address, informed the audience about the criminal laws introduced during the British era and the recent enactment of three new criminal laws aimed at replacing them to ensure speedy justice through the use of modern technology. He underlined the provision of community service as a new form of punishment that would help reduce the number of undertrials in prisons. He also highlighted the efforts of the UT Ladakh Administration to establish a strong prosecuting wing and set up a modern, fully equipped forensic laboratory in the Union Territory.
DGP Ladakh, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, IPS, in his address, highlighted the challenges faced by the Ladakh Police in implementing the new criminal laws in the region. He, however, praised the force for being one of the pioneering police units in India to enforce these laws despite Ladakh being a newly formed Union Territory. He expressed hope that the new laws would contribute to a crime-free society in Ladakh and inspire more young people to join the police force.
Earlier, a play on the BNSS Act 2023 was also performed on the occasion.
Bats & balls replace stones and guns as PM Modi hails youth participation
SRINAGAR, SEPT 1: BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesman Altaf Thakur has described the night cricket tournament in Pulwama as a “new beginning,” symbolizing the transformation of the Valley in the post-2019 era.
Thakur said the sight of local youth enjoying cricket under floodlights reflects a positive shift from violence to sports. “The guns and stones of yesterday have been replaced with bats and balls today. This is the Kashmir we all wished to see,” he remarked.
He further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appreciation of the tournament and his conversation with water sports man Mohsin, a gold medalist, carried immense significance. “When the Prime Minister of the country hails a budding player from Pulwama, it is not just recognition for one individual but an acknowledgment of the changing spirit of Kashmir,” Thakur said.
The spokesman added that such events foster peace, harmony, and opportunities for the youth, paving the way for a brighter future in the region.
Srinagar, September 1, 2025: On August 24, 2025, Police Station Nishat received a written complaint from Mohammad Aslam Lone, S/O Abdul Gani Lone, resident of Gupkar Mohalla, Nishat, alleging the theft of cash and gold ornaments worth several lakhs by unknown individuals.
Based on the complaint, FIR No. 69/2025 under sections 305, 331(3) BNS was registered at Police Station Nishat, and investigation was promptly initiated.
During the course of investigation, several suspects were questioned and one suspect namely Shahid Mehraj Bhat, S/O Mehraj-ud-Din Bhat, resident of Meerakabad, Shalimar was identified as the accused and subsequently, he was arrested for the commission of the crime.
Upon his disclosure, the stolen property, including Rs. 50,000 in cash and gold ornaments valued at Rs. 2,65,000, was recovered.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further recoveries are anticipated from the accused person.
Srinagar Police remains committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens and eliminating crimes from the society.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting at Raj Bhavan, Jammu, to assess the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were among the key dignitaries present during the meeting.
Following the review, Shah is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Jammu. Prior to the meeting, he visited the Bikram Chowk Bridge and Manguchak area, both severely hit by the floods.
The recent spell of torrential rains has wreaked havoc across Jammu Division. On August 26, flash floods in Jammu city claimed more than 40 lives, including 34 in a landslide near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The floods also caused major infrastructural damage, with Bhagwati Nagar’s 4th Bridge suffering massive destruction.
Taking cognizance of the tragedy in Katra, LG Manoj Sinha ordered the constitution of a three-member committee to probe the causes of the landslide. The committee will be led by Additional Chief Secretary (Jal Shakti) Shaleen Kabra, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, and Inspector General of Police Jammu B.S. Tuti.
The devastation continued in the following days. On August 30, four people were killed and one went missing after a cloudburst in Ramban’s Rajgarh area, while a landslide in Reasi wiped out a seven-member family, including five children. On August 31, CM Omar Abdullah visited Ramban to assess the damage.
The monsoon fury has left several dead, displaced many, and inflicted heavy losses on public infrastructure. Relief and rescue operations are underway, with expectations running high from the Union Home Minister’s visit, as affected families seek a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Centre.
Political voices have also amplified the demand. J&K Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra, in a post on X, said:
“As the Hon’ble Home Minister visits Jammu to evaluate the catastrophic losses suffered by our people, the Indian National Congress unequivocally demands an immediate, comprehensive, and well-funded relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction package… We strongly urge an independent, high-level inquiry into the systemic lapses that led to the Vaishno Devi and Chashoti tragedies.”
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq also echoed similar sentiments, pressing for a comprehensive package to “heal the wounds” of flood victims and ensure proper rehabilitation.
August 21: The Traffic Police City Jammu has issued a strict public notice warning vehicle owners against masking or tampering with registration number plates, terming it a serious violation of the Motor Vehicles Act as well as an offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).According to the notice issued by Farooq Qaiser, Sr. Superintendent of Police, Traffic City Jammu, it has been observed that a large number of vehicles in District Jammu are plying with masked or altered registration plates to evade detection by surveillance cameras and challaning authorities.The order highlights that offenders often cover number plates with hands, bags, face masks, stickers, tapes, mud or dirt, or alter/conceal digits and alphabets. Some even bend plates to make them unreadable, use fake numbers, or remove plates altogether.The notice warns that such practices are not only aimed at avoiding traffic penalties but are also misused by criminals in cases of abduction, chain snatching, hit-and-run, theft, robbery, and even by anti-national elements to commit terrorist acts.Citing Section 39/192 of the MV Act, the police stated that violators will face a fine of ₹5,000 for the first offence and ₹10,000 for repeat offences. Additionally, provisions of BNS relating to forgery and cheating may also apply, leading to registration of FIRs.The public has been given three days’ time from the issuance of the notice to comply and ensure their number plates are clear and as per law. Failing this, strict legal action will be taken.The SSP Traffic Jammu appealed to all citizens to cooperate in maintaining law and order and to desist from such unlawful practices immediately.
SRINAGAR: A local court has rejected the bail application of the accused involved in the alleged abetment of the brutal murder of a 10-year-old child in Lolpora, Kunzer, in a case that has shocked the region. The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMIC) at Tangmarg passed the order on Tuesday, stating that the nature of the offence was grave and beyond the court’s jurisdiction to consider bail. The murder, which occurred on June 12, 2025, drew widespread outrage and sparked calls for swift justice.
Senior Prosecuting Officer, Saalim Javid, appeared on behalf of the prosecution and strongly opposed the bail plea. He argued that the severity of the crime, coupled with the accused’s alleged role in abetting the offence, warranted continued custody to prevent interference with the investigation and to uphold the rule of law.
After hearing the arguments and examining the case material, the court noted the seriousness of the allegations and rejected the bail plea accordingly.
The prosecution’s resolute opposition to bail has been seen as a reflection of the justice system’s commitment to standing with the victims of heinous crimes, particularly those involving violence against children.
International Daily Rising School (K-12 & Junior Schools) organised the fourth edition of Edu Summit & Award Function-2025 on 2 August 2025 at Hotel Radisson Blu, Jammu.
Early childhood and primary education represent a critical window in shaping a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development. These formative years are not only the bedrock of academic learning but also pivotal in nurturing character, creativity, and lifelong values. In acknowledgment of this profound responsibility, the Edu Summit 4.0 for all Junior International Daily Rising School was grandly organised on 2August 2025 at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Jammu.
The summit was a joint endeavour by Junior International Daily Rising School, Trikuta Nagar, and International Daily Rising School, Chowadi, Sainik Colony, with the aim of bringing together thought leaders, educators, academic visionaries, and key stakeholders committed to enriching the landscape of junior education. The event was further elevated by the invaluable support of its distinguished event partners — Eduline Publications, Madhuban Publications, Viva Publications, Collins Publications, Unacademy, School Cinema, Bharti Bhawan Publications, and UOLO Publications — each contributing their unique expertise and educational resources to promote progressive learning methodologies.
The Edu Summit 4.0 the largest event in Jammu till date, offered a unique platform to showcase latest trends in the education industry. It provided a platform for future educators to meet with Education leaders, policymakers, academicians, professionals, administrators, channel partners, teachers and teaching faculties, to share and exchange the latest developments, current practices, and innovative ideas in the area of education & skills.
This summit saw a turnover of 250 plus Futuristic Educators from 14 different Junior International Daily Rising School Centres across Jammu. Being one of the largest preschool chain of Jammu, Junior& K-12 International Daily Rising School is keen on staying updated about various new programs. It is by the diligent efforts of these mentors that Junior International Daily Rising School achieved the No. 1 Preschool chain award.
The summit started with Lighting of Lamp with all the distinguish guests followed by Saraswati Vandana by the students of International Daily Rising School Chowadi, Sainik Colony. Ms Supinder Kaur, Founder & Chairperson, International Daily Rising School Chowadi, Sainik Colony, welcomed all the Guests of the prestigious event and various futuristic educators.
The Guest Speakers were Dr Rajani Rao from Bangalore, Mr Pawan Gupta from New Delhi andDr Atul Hans, Director/Principal, International Daily Rising School.The visionaries Ms. SupinderKour, Chairperson & Mr. Raghav Gupta, MD, International Daily Rising School Chowadi, Sainik Colony along with Eminent Guests &Centre Heads, graced the occasion with their benign presence.
The event was spread over three different interactive sessions. The first impressive session was taken by Resource Person, Dr. Atul Hans, Director Academics cum Principal, International Daily Rising School on “Anything is possible”, an ice breaking session followed by the second session by Mr. Pawan Gupta, an inspiring force in the world of education and personal transformation, on ” Facing the Future Together – Exploring 21st Century Skills.”
The third session was taken by Dr Rajani Rao, an early educator, who took the session on “Literacy and Numeracy”. She was the perfect person to educate the futuristic leaders the magic of coding phonics, the powerful thematic story – an approach in numerology and nature science.
There were many other esteemed guests & Centre Heads like Ms. Meeta Syal and Ms. Ekta Syal from Talab Tillo & Gole Gujral, Ms. Ritu Sambyalfrom Samba, Ms. Harpreet Kaur from R.S. Pura, Ms. Gagandeep Kaur from Nagrota, Mr. Samandeep Singh from Chatha, Mr. Lakha LakhinderSingh from Sidhra,Ms. Monika Sharma from Bantalab, Ms Bhumika Sharma from Kathua, Ms Rajni Chaudhary from Vijaypur, Ms Bhawna Dogra from Trikuta Nagar, Ms Deepa Dogra from Digiana Branch and Ms Jaspreet Kaur from Vasant Vihar, who captivated the audience with their visionary ideas and thought-provoking insights. Their profound understanding of the educational landscape left a lasting impact and inspired participants.
During the award segment of the summit, all Futuristic Educators were honoured for their visionary contributions to education. The event was gracefully hosted by Ms. Veerta and Ms. Neha, who ensured the proceedings ran seamlessly.
Jammu, July 18: Vimal Jit, an International Bodybuilder from Jammu called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Friday.As per a statement issued here, Vimal Jit has won Gold medal at the 15th Men’s South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship held in Thimphu, Bhutan.The Lieutenant Governor congratulated him for his outstanding achievement at the international Bodybuilding event and extended best wishes for his upcoming competitions.
