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J&K Govt Issues Framework for Evaluation of Books, Academic Material in Educational Institutions

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Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a comprehensive framework for the evaluation and periodic review of books and academic material in educational institutions across the Union Territory to ensure that educational resources meet academic standards and do not contain objectionable or unlawful content.

The School Education Department and Higher Education Department have issued separate circulars prescribing a structured mechanism for academic evaluation, content verification and periodic review of books and other educational resources in government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities and public libraries.

The move comes in the wake of recent concerns regarding books available in institutional libraries and the procurement of educational material.

According to the circulars, all educational institutions have been directed to undertake a comprehensive academic and content audit of books, reference material, journals, research publications, dissertations, theses, digital repositories and other educational resources, irrespective of when they were procured or introduced.

The framework seeks to ensure that academic material possesses established academic merit, factual accuracy, pedagogical relevance and educational value while remaining consistent with the Constitution, existing laws, the National Education Policy and the curriculum prescribed by competent authorities.

The government has prohibited the procurement, recommendation, retention, circulation or publication of any material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory or unlawful content. It also bars educational institutions from making available material that promotes or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation or activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of the country.

To oversee implementation, the government has constituted a multi-tier mechanism for academic scrutiny and content verification at the institutional, district, directorate, university and departmental levels. The framework provides for periodic review and quality assurance while respecting the statutory autonomy of universities under applicable laws and University Grants Commission regulations.

The circulars assign specific responsibilities to Vice Chancellors, college principals, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, heads of institutions, librarians and school managements to ensure compliance within prescribed timelines.

The government said institutional heads would be responsible for implementing the framework in their respective jurisdictions, adding that any negligence or deviation from the prescribed procedures would be viewed seriously.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening academic standards, enhancing institutional accountability and ensuring a transparent and uniform system for reviewing educational resources across schools, colleges and universities in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Major Boost to Medical Education in J&K, 50 MBBS Seats Added

Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved an increase of 50 MBBS seats at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, taking its annual intake from 200 to 250 students from the 2026-27 academic session, officials said on Friday.

The approval was granted by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC through a Letter of Permission issued under the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

Officials said the enhanced intake follows an assessment carried out in accordance with the Undergraduate Medical Education Standards Regulations (UGMSR), 2023.

Last year, the NMC had approved 20 additional MBBS seats for GMC Srinagar, increasing the intake from 180 to 200 for the 2025-26 academic session.

The Health and Medical Education Department said the latest approval would strengthen medical education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and provide greater opportunities to aspiring medical students in the Union Territory.

The department said the increase in seats further reinforces GMC Srinagar’s status as one of the leading medical institutions in the region.(NVI)

J&K DGP Reviews Kashmir Security Situation, Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Forces

J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat chairing meeting on security

Srinagar, July 10 (NVI): Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Friday chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar with senior officers of the Army, central armed police forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies to assess the security situation in Kashmir and review operational preparedness.

The meeting was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the XV Corps, senior officers of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and representatives of intelligence agencies.

During the meeting, the DGP reviewed the overall security scenario in the Valley and discussed measures to strengthen operational capabilities in view of emerging security challenges.

Prabhat emphasised the need for close coordination, real-time intelligence sharing and seamless cooperation among all security agencies to further strengthen the security grid.

He also reviewed measures to enhance area domination, intensify anti-militancy operations and maintain a high level of operational readiness to ensure peace and public safety.

The meeting also discussed improving inter-agency coordination and reinforcing security arrangements to effectively deal with potential threats, officials said. Senior officers reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and normalcy in the Valley.(NVI)

India Primary Guarantor of Peace in Indian Ocean Region, Says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi Jul 10 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that India is the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and lauded the Indian Navy for safeguarding the country’s maritime interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment.

Addressing naval personnel during a Barakhana event in Visakhapatnam on the eve of the commissioning of Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, Singh said the Navy is protecting India’s maritime borders, securing vital sea lanes and upholding national interests across the region.

Describing India as the largest and most responsible stakeholder in the Indian Ocean Region, the defence minister said the country remains committed to ensuring peace, stability and a secure maritime environment.

He noted that over 90 per cent of India’s trade by volume is carried through sea routes, making maritime security crucial for economic growth, energy security, the Exclusive Economic Zone and island territories.

Referring to the changing global security scenario, Singh said future conflicts could emerge in new and unforeseen forms, and stressed that armed forces must remain physically and mentally prepared while continuously upgrading their skills and mastering emerging technologies.

“There are conflicts that are fought without a formal declaration of war. The adversary of tomorrow may not look like the adversary of the past,” he said.

The defence minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces with world-class weapons, technology and other resources, while emphasising that it is the personnel operating them who ultimately determine victory.

Highlighting India’s push for self-reliance in defence, Singh described the commissioning of Mahendragiri as another milestone in the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla and other senior Indian Navy officers were present on the occasion.—(NVI)

Three Kashmir Train Services Cancelled Till July 25 for Track Maintenance

Indian Railways
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Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): Three train services on the Banihal-Baramulla rail section will remain suspended from July 11 to July 25 to facilitate essential summer track maintenance, Northern Railway said on Friday.

In a statement, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway said the maintenance work is aimed at strengthening the track, ensuring passenger safety and enabling smooth railway operations in the Kashmir Valley.

The cancelled services are Train No. 74615 (Banihal-Baramulla), Train No. 74632 (Baramulla-Budgam) and Train No. 74628 (Budgam-Banihal).

Northern Railway advised passengers to check the latest train status through the IRCTC website, mobile application or Rail Madad/139 before undertaking their journey.

The Railways expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and sought the cooperation of passengers during the maintenance period.(NVI)

Flash Flood Fury in J-K Poonch: 25 Rescued, Eight Houses Inundated

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Shivam Bakshi

Poonch July 10 (NVI): At least 25 people were rescued after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall inundated Ari village in the Mendhar subdivision of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Friday evening, officials said.

The sudden flooding affected at least eight houses as rainwater entered residential areas following a sharp rise in the water level, they said.

Teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out rescue operations and safely evacuated at least 25 people from the flood-hit locality, officials added.

Officials said that despite the heavy rainfall, the water levels in Mendhar Nallah, Poonch River and Suran River were flowing below the alert level at 8 p.m. They said the situation was being closely monitored and an assessment of the damage was underway.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Launches Official Merchandise, Promotional Campaign for Kashmir Marathon 2026

Srinagar, July 10 (NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday unveiled the official merchandise and launched the promotional campaign for the Kashmir Marathon 2026, saying the event is aimed at placing Kashmir firmly on India’s marathon calendar while giving a major boost to sports tourism in the Union Territory.

The merchandise, including the marathon cap, finisher’s medal and racing kit, was unveiled during a function held at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar. The Chief Minister also released the promotional video for the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah said the marathon is part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism in Jammu and Kashmir by promoting sports and adventure tourism alongside traditional tourist attractions.

He said the government wants the Kashmir Marathon to achieve the stature of leading marathons held across the country, including those in Delhi, Mumbai and Ladakh, and attract participants from across India and abroad.

The Chief Minister said the event would also send a positive message that Kashmir is peaceful, safe and welcoming for visitors, encouraging more tourists to experience the Valley.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon will be held in Srinagar on October 25, 2026.

According to officials, the half marathon route will pass through the Jhelum riverfront, Lal Chowk, Dalgate and the Boulevard Road along Dal Lake, while the full marathon will extend towards Hazratbal and the University of Kashmir. The course has been designed with a mix of flat and hilly stretches, with an overall elevation gain of around 960 metres.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Secretary RSGC Haris Ahmed Handoo, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta and other senior officers were present on the occasion. (NVI)

Heatwave Continues Across Kashmir; Srinagar Records 34.5 Degrees Celsius

Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): Heatwave conditions continued across Kashmir on Friday, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 34.5 degrees Celsius, nearly five degrees above the seasonal average, according to the Meteorological Department.

Official data showed Srinagar recorded 34.5 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees above normal.

Among other places in the Valley, Qazigund recorded 32.0 degrees Celsius, 4.1 degrees above normal, while Pahalgam registered 28.0 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees above normal.

Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 33.0 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees above normal, while Kokernag registered 31.0 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees above normal. Gulmarg, the famous tourist resort, recorded 24.9 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees above the seasonal average.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.5 degrees Celsius, marginally 0.2 degrees above normal. Banihal recorded 29.9 degrees Celsius, Batote 27.2 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 30.6 degrees Celsius, all above normal. Katra recorded 31.0 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average.

Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh recorded a maximum temperature of 23.4 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, with the possibility of heavy showers at isolated places from July 11, which is expected to bring some relief from the prevailing hot weather.(NVI)

J&K records 24 per cent rainfall deficit in June, below-normal precipitation continues for eighth month

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Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 24 per cent rainfall deficit in June, receiving 57.9 mm of rainfall against the normal 75.9 mm, extending the region’s below-normal precipitation trend to the eighth consecutive month, according to official rainfall data.

The Union Territory has been witnessing below-normal precipitation since November 2025.

Despite the deficit, June witnessed frequent spells of light to moderate rainfall across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, making the distribution of rainfall more even compared to previous months when precipitation was largely confined to one or two weather systems.

According to the data, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Poonch, Pulwama, Samba and Udhampur recorded surplus rainfall during the month, while Jammu, Kupwara, Ramban, Anantnag, Doda, Bandipora, Srinagar, Budgam, Kathua, Reasi, Rajouri, Kulgam, Shopian and Kishtwar remained rain-deficient.

In Ladakh, rainfall during June remained above normal, with the region recording a 126 per cent surplus. Leh registered excess rainfall, while Kargil continued to record a rainfall deficit.

Meteorological experts said the recurring light to moderate rainfall during June was more favourable for groundwater recharge and improving soil moisture than isolated heavy downpours, as it allowed greater water infiltration and reduced surface runoff.

However, they cautioned that the continuing precipitation deficit over the past eight months remains a concern for water resources, agriculture and overall hydrological conditions if the trend persists.

The month also witnessed several hailstorm incidents accompanied by thunderstorms in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, causing localised damage to orchards and agricultural fields.—(NVI)

Kashmir University Declares 10-Day Summer Vacation From July 24

Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The University of Kashmir has announced a 10-day summer vacation for all teaching departments at its main and off-site campuses from July 24 to August 2, according to an official notification.

The notification, issued by the Office of the Dean Academic Affairs, said the vacation will be observed from July 24, 2026, to August 2, 2026.

It said Heads, Directors and Coordinators of the departments, off-site campuses and centres shall ensure that their offices function as usual during the vacation period.

The university also clarified that examinations, wherever scheduled, and all other academic and administrative activities will continue as per the existing timetable without any disruption.

The notification was issued by the Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs), University of Kashmir.(NVI)

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