JAMMU, Dec 10: To ensure protection in the domestic and global markets, organisations have applied for a geographical indicator (GI) tag for eight different traditional items from various districts of the Jammu region, according to officials. This was revealed at a round table meeting — A way forward for GIs of Jammu and Kashmir — at the University of Jammu for assessing the distinctiveness of the Union territory’s native and traditional items.
The organisation have applied for GI tags of 8 different products, including Chikri wood products of the Thanamandi belt of the Rajouri district, Sulai Honey of the Ramban district, Kalari of the Udhampur district, Anardana of the Ramban district, Gucchi of the Doda district, Rajmash of Bhadarwah and Pashmina of Bhaderwah.
“We have got 8 applications for GI-tagging of some products from the Jammu region. We will be reviewing them. Our aim is to meet local artisans, local cultivators and farmers (who make these products)… We will be educated on it closely,” controller general of patents, designs and trademarks, department of promotion of industry and internal Trade (DPIIT) Prof Unnat Pandit said.

He further said that another aim was to hold a round table meeting to do brainstorming sessions on the products, which can be GI-tagged and how can we make universities partners in the GI-tagging campaign.
Pandit in his inaugural address focused on the significance of entrepreneurship in India and the expanding role of mentors towards creating an entrepreneurial environment.
He emphasised the need for training and empowering the faculty towards mentoring and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Pandit further said that experiential learning can offer useful insights to the youth of the nation and create a roadmap for them to explore several entrepreneurial opportunities and tap their potential.
He appreciated the efforts and initiatives undertaken by UOJSPVF, University of Jammu, towards promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the region.
Amit Khajuria, Assistant handicraft officer, is batting strongly for GI-tagging of Chikri wood products produced in the Thanamandi belt of the Rajouri district.
Similarly, Rahul Rathore of Ramban has showcased ‘Sulai Honey’ for GI-tag before the review team and said that it is also called van-tulsi honey.
“It is the world’s best honey. It was presented to the British queen during an official visit,” he said.
Abha Rishi, CEO, AIC-BIMTECH, in her address deliberated upon the need for inculcating a clear vision in the students aligned towards their professional goals.
She mentioned that the right mentorship, guidance and a complementing team together can support young entrepreneurs to shape their journey.
She also highlighted the importance of thinking out of the box and implementing the same.
Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas said that the workshop has been conceptualised with the objective of promoting entrepreneurial activity and training faculty mentors to encourage students to innovate and become job creators rather than job seekers. (Agencies)

Srinagar, Dec 10: The National Investigation Agency has put up posters in many parts of Kashmir seeking information about four militants of The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organisation of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, officials said on Saturday.
The four militants, including two Pakistani nationals, are wanted by the NIA in connection with a conspiracy to radicalise, motivate and recruit youths of Jammu and Kashmir to carry out violence in India. The probe agency has already announced a cash reward of Rupees 10 lakh for each of the four militants.
Officials said the posters seek information about Pakistani nationals Saleem Rehmani alias ‘Abu Saad’ of Nawab Shah, Sindh, and Saifullah Sajid Jatt of Shangamanga in Kasur, and their local associates Sajjad Gul of Srinagar and Basit Ahmad Dar of Redwani Payeen in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
The NIA has given its email address, phone numbers and WhatsApp and Telegram numbers as well for the public to share the information. It has assured people that the identity of the informer shall be kept secret. (AGENCIES)

Jammu, December 9

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Friday said the party workers should be prepared for the elections in J&K. Chugh, who is also the J&K prabhari (in-charge), held a meeting of party’s office-bearers in Trikuta Nagar. BJP’s UT chief Ravinder Raina, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and national secretary Narinder Singh among others were present.

Claiming that the hurdles in the path of holding J&K elections had been cleared, he said, “The delimitation exercise has been carried out and enrollment of voters has also taken place. The voters’ list will be given to political parties for filing their objections, according to the Election Commission (of India’s) procedure.”

“The J&K BJP activists must work on a mission mode now. Those who have divided the nation and have always acted on foreign dictates should be defeated. You must devote yourself to safeguarding the nation, adopting the role of hero by securing election victory for the BJP,” he said.

NEW DELHI: Border Security Force troops and Pak Rangers exchanged fire on Friday along the Anupgarh sector of the India-Pakistan International Border in Rajasthan, officials said.

No casualties were reported on the Indian side even as the BSF has decided to lodge a “protest” with their Pakistani counterparts and have sought a flag meeting on Saturday, a BSF spokesperson said.

He added that Pak Rangers short first as they fired 6-7 rounds at 2 pm “on BSF troops” who were present ahead of the border fence as part of a ‘kisaan guard’ deployment meant to escort and protect five local farmers working in their farms.

“In retaliation, the BSF ‘kisaan guard’ party fired about 18 rounds on Pak Rangers,” he said.

No injury or casualty to the BSF or the farmers has been reported in the incident that took place along the Anupgarh sector in Sriganganagar district of the state, the spokesperson said.

“A protest is being lodged and a flag meeting has been called,” the official said.

It is very rare that troops exchange fire along the Thar desert comprising Rajasthan front of the IB that also runs along Gujarat, Punjab and Jammu, a senior officer said.

India and Pakistan pledged in February 2021 to exercise complete ceasefire on this front. There have been, however, one or two incidents of violation of this deal since then, including once in the Jammu area in September this year when Pakistani troops fired on a BSF patrol in the Arnia sector.