Doda Jan. 31:- In a significant milestone for healthcare in the Chenab Valley, the Department of *General Surgery at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda* has successfully performed its first-ever Advanced Minimal Access Surgery for carcinoma rectum. The complex procedure, known as Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection (LAR), was conducted on a 73-year-old male patient, marking a major advancement in cancer care services in the region.

The patient, diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer, had earlier undergone neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy at GMC Jammu and was subsequently advised definitive surgical management. Being a resident of a far-flung area of District Doda, the patient chose to undergo surgery at his local institution, GMC Doda.

After detailed evaluation by Dr Sajan Bijyal, Surgical Oncologist, Department of General Surgery, the surgery was successfully performed by Dr Sajan Bijyal and his team, which included Dr Peeyush, OT technicians Mr Nadeem and Mr Kamran, with critical support from the Anaesthesia team led by Dr Shafiq and Dr Guddi Devi.

The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged in a stable condition with advice for regular follow-up.

While speaking Dr Sajan Bijyal stated that such advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgeries are usually confined to well-established tertiary care centres equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and high surgical expertise. The successful execution of this complex procedure at GMC Doda represents a major leap in bringing advanced surgical care to the doorsteps of the rural population of the Chenab Valley, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatment.

Dr Bijyal further acknowledged the guidance and support of Principal GMC Doda, Dr Rakesh Bahl, stating that the institution is steadily developing the capacity to provide comprehensive and modern cancer care, which is a matter of pride for the entire region.

The initiative taken by Dr Sajan Bijyal and his team, despite limited infrastructure, has been widely appreciated by the public and stands as a testament to the growing capabilities of GMC Doda in delivering advanced healthcare services.

Doda 30 January :— Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media, today visited the Amrit Sarovar / Martyrs Memorial at Masri Village to pay rich tributes to the brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives for the nation.

During the visit, Dr. Rufayee offered floral tributes and observed a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs, expressing deep respect for their supreme sacrifice in the service of the country. He stated that the nation will always remain indebted to its martyrs and their families for their courage and dedication.

Later, Dr. Rufayee visited the families of Martyr Niaz Ahmed and Martyr Siraj Uddin at Village Pranoo. He met the family members, expressed heartfelt condolences, and conveyed solidarity on behalf of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media. He assured them of continued moral and institutional support and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to stand with the families of martyrs at all times.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tahir Rufayee said that the sacrifices of Martyr Niaz Ahmed and Martyr Siraj Uddin will continue to inspire generations. He emphasized the importance of preserving their legacy and ensuring that their contribution to the nation is remembered with honor and dignity.

He further highlighted the role of ethical and responsible journalism in keeping alive the stories of bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice, and called upon media professionals to promote such narratives that strengthen national unity and social harmony.

The visit reflects the National Foundation for Journalism and Media’s ongoing commitment to honoring national heroes, supporting their families, and promoting the values of patriotism, integrity, and social responsibility.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi, describing him as a living guide for the modern world and underscoring the continued relevance of his principles of non-violence, truth and self-reliance.

Speaking at a solemn event organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said Gandhian philosophy remains essential in addressing present-day global challenges and bridging social and ideological divides.

“I believe that Bapu is a living guide for today’s world. His philosophy of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance proves as essential today as during India’s independence struggle, providing timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary crises and bridging divides that threaten global society’s collective future,” Sinha said.

He also paid homage to all martyrs and freedom fighters on Martyrs’ Day, recalling their sacrifice and dedication to the nation. A two-minute silence was observed during the event as a mark of respect.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s aspiration for peace, the Lieutenant Governor said Gandhian ideals have guided generations and continue to offer strength and direction amid rapid global changes and emerging challenges. He noted that meaningful change requires not just strength but character and sustained effort, as demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work.

Sinha elaborated on Gandhi’s vision of a resilient, peaceful and inclusive society built on dignity, equality, justice and welfare of the marginalised, as well as the rights of women and youth. He urged the younger generation to see non-violence as a form of supreme courage rather than weakness, stressing that Gandhi’s path of Satyagraha showed how moral force can bring transformative change.

He said Gandhian values such as dialogue over vengeance, compassion over anger and understanding over confrontation are crucial for building a united and harmonious society. Expressing confidence in these principles, he said hope in times of global despair would emerge from Gandhian thought.

The Lieutenant Governor also noted that Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in J&K over the past six years have had a transformational social impact, reflected in mass participation in programmes like Tiranga Yatra, Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram. He called upon citizens to take a collective pledge for an “Ujjawal Jammu Kashmir” and an “Ujjawal Bharat.”

During the event, Sinha honoured next of kin of martyrs, family members of late Dr Raj Kumar Thapa, and civilians who lost their lives due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. School students were conferred with the Shanti Doot Puraskar for promoting Gandhian values, while officials from the civil administration, J&K Police and security forces received the Rashtriya Sewa Puraskar.

The commemorative programme was attended by public representatives, senior civil and police officials, army officers, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, and a large number of citizens and youth.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on Friday paid rich tributes to the martyrs on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, remembering their supreme sacrifices for the nation and the enduring ideals of freedom, justice and democracy.

According to a post shared by the Office of the Chief Minister on X, the Chief Minister said that the sacrifices made by the martyrs will continue to inspire generations to come and strengthen the collective resolve to uphold democratic values.

As part of the observance, a two-minute silence was held at the Civil Secretariat to honour the martyrs and pay respect to their invaluable contributions to the nation.

Officials and staff present joined in the tribute, reaffirming their commitment to the principles for which the martyrs laid down their lives.

As the 40-day period of intense winter, Chillai Kalan, ends on Friday, night temperatures across Kashmir have increased, offering partial relief from severe cold conditions. The Meteorological Department officials reported a noticeable rise in minimum temperatures in several regions.

In the city of Srinagar, the night temperature settled at 1.3 degrees Celsius, marking a significant increase from the previous night’s minus 0.6 degrees. This temperature also stands at 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average, indicating a marked improvement for residents.

Other areas within the Valley similarly recorded above-freezing night temperatures. Konibal registered a low of 1.0 degrees Celsius, Pulwama recorded 0.1 degrees, and Kulgam noted a minimum of 1.1 degrees. Most weather stations across the region reported temperatures above normal for this time of year.

Despite the rise in temperatures in many low-lying areas, severe cold conditions persisted in higher altitude regions. Sonamarg in Ganderbal district remained the coldest, recording minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, although this was slightly better than the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees. In Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, temperatures dipped to minus 9 degrees while Pahalgam in southern Kashmir saw minus 5.3 degrees.

Other noteworthy stations included Qazigund, which recorded minus 0.3 degrees Celsius; Kokernag at minus 0.6 degrees; and Kupwara with minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.

Chillai Kalan is traditionally regarded as the coldest period in Kashmir’s winter, marked by frequent snowfall in the higher elevations. Its conclusion indicates a shift to the next stage, the 20-day Chillai Khurd (small cold), which is then succeeded by the 10-day Chillai Bachha (baby cold), involving milder weather patterns.

As the winter season transitions, the Meteorological Department forecasts a fresh western disturbance expected to affect the region beginning Sunday. This disturbance may bring another spell of wet weather.

A One-Day State-Level Professional Development Management Programme (PDMP) for doctors, nursing staff, and allied healthcare professionals commenced today, January 29, 2026, at Government Medical College (GMC), Doda.

The training programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Kuldeep Singh, Dean Academics, SMVDIME, Kakrayal, Katra (J&K), who attended the event as the Chief Guest. The inaugural session was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Bahl, Principal, GMC Doda, as the Guest of Honour.

The session was also attended by Dr. Suresh Kotwal, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Doda; Dr. Garima Charak, Head of the Department of Physiology, GMC Doda; Dr. Beena Jad, Assistant Professor, SMVDIME; and Mr. Anil Sharma, Yoga Expert. Faculty members of GMC Doda, along with delegates from Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and the Associated Hospital of GMC Doda, participated in the programme.

This was the 3rd State-Level Professional Development Management Programme, organized by the Academy of Hospital Administration (AHA), Jammu Chapter, in association with Government Medical College, Doda. The programme aimed to enhance professional skills, managerial competencies, and overall efficiency among healthcare professionals, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery in the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government-owned corporations to ensure that their employees enroll in and complete prescribed courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity on the iGOT Karmayogi platform by January 31, 2026.

According to a circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the courses have been identified under Mission Karmayogi by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) with the objective of strengthening digital capabilities and cybersecurity awareness among government officials.

The training modules have been curated to match different roles and experience levels within the government workforce, enabling officials to build relevant competencies in emerging technologies and digital security.

The GAD has instructed all Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments to ensure strict and timely compliance with the directive. The initiative aims to enhance core professional skills, promote technology-driven governance, and improve the quality and efficiency of public service delivery across the Union Territory.

Kashmir continued to reel under intense cold conditions as night temperatures plunged several degrees below the freezing point across most parts of the Valley, officials said on Thursday. However, a few places, including Srinagar, recorded night temperatures slightly warmer than the seasonal average.

In Srinagar, the minimum temperature settled at minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, compared to 0.1 degrees Celsius the previous night. Despite the drop, the temperature remained 0.3 degrees above the seasonal norm, officials said.

Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district emerged as the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a minimum of minus 11.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 9.8 degrees Celsius the previous night. The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district registered a low of minus 9 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir, Pahalgam — a key tourist destination and one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra — recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.5 degrees Celsius. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, saw the mercury settle at zero degrees Celsius, while Kokernag recorded minus 0.6 degrees and Kupwara minus 3.5 degrees Celsius.

The Valley is nearing the end of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period marked by extreme cold and the highest probability of snowfall. Chilla-i-Kalan, which began on December 21, is set to conclude on January 30. However, cold conditions are expected to persist even after its end.

The severe phase is followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), during which cold weather continues, though with reduced intensity.

The Meteorological Department said the weather is likely to remain cloudy but dry till January 31. It also forecast that a fresh western disturbance may affect the region on February 1, potentially bringing another spell of wet weather.