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LG Sinha says private sector, entrepreneurship key to tackling unemployment in J&K

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 28 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said unemployment cannot be addressed through government jobs alone and stressed the need to strengthen private sector employment, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration to create sustainable opportunities for the youth.

Addressing the 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair at Amar Singh College here, Sinha said young people were not merely job seekers but the makers of India’s future and urged them to dream big, keep learning and embrace innovation.

“You are not merely job-seekers. You are the makers of India’s future. In your hands rests your career as well as the direction of the nation’s development,” he said.

The mega job fair, organised by Desh Bhagat University in collaboration with Cluster University Srinagar, NIELIT, Nations Development Association and MY Bharat, witnessed participation of more than 50 companies from sectors including information technology, healthcare, banking, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, logistics and engineering.

Sinha said such initiatives provide a platform where education meets industry and help bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements.

He said educational institutions must equip students with practical knowledge and skills instead of limiting learning to classrooms.

“Education should not be confined to classrooms. It must prepare every student to begin life’s journey with confidence, skills and practical understanding,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon industries to work closely with educational institutions to strengthen innovation, skill development and employment generation.

“If industry and education work together, we can create an environment where knowledge and experience strengthen each other, and innovation and employment advance together,” he said.

Sinha said the government was focusing on aligning skills with industry requirements, promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating simplified recruitment through initiatives such as mega job fairs.

Referring to the growth of entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir, he said lakhs of youth had taken up entrepreneurial ventures since 2020 and expressed confidence that the Union Territory would emerge as a hub of innovation, startups and modern industries.

He said the 77th Mega Job Fair should mark the beginning of a new chapter in the employment landscape of Jammu and Kashmir by connecting aspiring youth with meaningful career opportunities.(NVI)

Prices of international crude oil fall amidst hopes of peace between US and Iran

New Delhi, July 28 (NVI): In a sign of relief, international crude oil prices declined further today amidst hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran which could ease energy flows across the West Asian region.

While Brent crude futures declined $0.78, or 1 per cent, to $88 a barrel, US West Texas Intermediate crude fell $0.88, or 1.1 per cent, to $82 a barrel.

Both benchmarks touched their lowest levels in more than a week during the session.

The decline followed a sharp sell-off in the previous session.

Brent crude futures had dropped $8.42, or 8.7 per cent, to settle at $88.36 a barrel, their lowest level since July 17.

WTI futures fell $6.70, or 7.5 per cent, to close at $82.61 a barrel, the lowest since July 16. Combined, crude oil prices have fallen about 10 per cent over two sessions as the market reassesses the geopolitical risk premium built into prices during the conflict.

The crude prices fell as US President Donald Trump said Washington was engaged in talks with Iran and indicated that a resolution remained possible.

However, he also warned that US strikes could resume if negotiations failed. Iran has issued similar warnings over possible retaliation.

The prospect of negotiations has reduced immediate fears of a broader disruption to oil supplies and key maritime routes. (NVI)

Pakistani military is worse than Israeli army: Leader of occupied Jammu Kashmir

A Kashmiri injured in Pakistani military firing in POJK

Rawalakot (POJK), July 28 (NVI) “The ongoing brutality in Rawalakot is worse than that of the Israeli army,” cries Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a senior leader of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) as the oppression by the Pakistani forces peaked in the region.

“Bullets are being rained down on the public, and the wounded are being left to writhe and die. Grave violations of basic human rights are continuing,” he adds while giving an account about the current situation in POJK.

According to Nazir Kashmiri, Pakistani forces have taken over and medical stores have been forcibly shut down so that first aid cannot be provided.

His statement came as Pakistani forces stepped up brutalities in POJK, particularly in Rawalakot where at least 70 local Kashmiris have been killed and hundreds injured in firing.

Only yesterday, 20 people were killed in firing by Pakistani forces in Rawalakot. While 19 of them have been identified as local Kashmiris, identity of one is not confirmed yet.

The Pakistani regime has unleashed extreme brutality to crush an ongoing agitation that began on June 5 against Pakistan’s political and other kinds of indulgence in the affairs of the region, which it ironically calls ‘Azad Kashmir (free Kashmir).

Kashmiris are on the streets for the last 52 days also for their basic rights and resources of the occupied region, which have been denied to them for the last 78 years by Pakistan after annexing it militarily in 1947.

“We want a solution to our issues. We are making it clear that if obstacles are placed in the way of basic necessities including medical services, then the responsibility for the severity of the situation will also fall on the rulers, institutions, and the powerful,” Umar Nazir Kashmiri said.

“What did we even demand? Basic rights. Now one thing is crystal clear: you (Pakistan) have to snatch your rights back yourself, and no more trust can be placed in these cunning murderers. We’ll have to determine our own future,” said another JAAC leader Hamza Nasir.

“If we live, we’ll do so with honor; if we die, it’ll be with honor too… Right up to the ‘jugular vein’ and the Kalima, brother… You’re the killers, the liars, and the hypocrites,” he said in a message to Pakistan.

The mention of ‘jugular vein’ is in reference to Pakistan’s oft-repeated claims that “Kashmir is its jugular vein”.

The JAAC said the Pakistani military has “exceeded its limits” by entrenching camps in occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir, against the mandate of the UN Resolutions.

“We will settle the score with the blood of our martyrs. We will not stop under any circumstances despite the martyrdoms. We must move forward,” said Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a Core Member of JAAC. (NVI)

Mehbooba Mufti Apologises for Jantar Mantar Remarks, Calls It ‘Slip of Tongue’

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, July 28 (NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed regret over her remarks made at Jantar Mantar, describing them as a “slip of tongue” and saying she had not intended to make the statement that drew criticism.

Speaking to reporters here, Mufti said she had meant to say “Bahana Banta Hai” but inadvertently said “Banta Hai” during her address at Jantar Mantar.

“I had to say ‘Bahana Banta Hai’; instead, I said ‘Banta Hai’. I apologise for it,” she said.

The PDP chief said her remarks were unintentional and asserted that she never meant to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

Her clarification came after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah criticised her over the comment and urged her to apologise.(NVI)

Four Injured, One Critical, in Road Accident in J&K’s Rajouri

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Jul 28 (NVI): Four people were injured, one of them critically, after a Tata Mobile and a load carrier auto collided on the Jammu–Poonch National Highway in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.

The accident took place at Muradpur area, following which the injured were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital, Rajouri, they said.

The injured were identified as Neeraj Kumar (25), Sameer Ahmed (24), Shubam Sharma (22) and Mohd Saleem (20).

Hospital officials said Neeraj Kumar, who was driving the Tata Mobile, suffered critical injuries, while the condition of the other three was stated to be stable.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident, officials added.(NVI)

Women can now join Indian Coast Guard

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announces gender-neutral induction in Coast Guard

New Delhi, Jul 28 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday announced two major policy reforms for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), introducing gender-neutral officer induction and simplifying the process for providing ex-gratia compensation to the families of personnel who go missing at sea while on duty.

The reforms were unveiled in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and senior officials.

Under the new policy, women will now be inducted into both Short Service Appointments (SSA) and Permanent Appointments (PA) on par with men, while SSA has also been opened to male candidates.

The policy also provides equal opportunities for career progression from the training stage onwards.

Existing women officers serving under Permanent Appointments will be eligible for promotions subject to prescribed conditions, while women officers currently serving under SSA will have the option to convert to Permanent Appointments after meeting eligibility criteria.

The second reform streamlines the procedure for granting ex-gratia compensation and terminal benefits to the next of kin of Coast Guard personnel reported missing at sea during duty. The policy empowers the authorities to declare such personnel “presumed dead” for the limited purpose of processing ex-gratia and related benefits, reducing delays in extending financial assistance to bereaved families.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh praised the Indian Coast Guard for its service over the past five decades and said the reforms would strengthen the morale and operational effectiveness of the force ahead of its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2027.

He also reiterated the Centre’s commitment to developing the Coast Guard into a modern, capable and future-ready maritime force.(NVI)

J&K LG Visits SKIMS, Reviews Treatment of Injured Amarnath Pilgrims

Srinagar, July 28 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, to enquire about the condition of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims injured in a road accident in Ganderbal district.

The Lieutenant Governor met the injured devotees, interacted with doctors and hospital authorities, and reviewed the treatment being provided to them, officials said.

He directed health authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and extend all necessary assistance to the injured pilgrims.

SKIMS Director Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ganie briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the condition of the injured and the treatment being provided, they said.

Sinha was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Rajiv Pande, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and other senior officials.

Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and senior health officials to review the situation and directed them to ensure prompt treatment for the injured.

Thirty-nine Amarnath pilgrims were injured after the bus they were travelling in met with an accident near Gund in Ganderbal district on Tuesday. They were initially shifted to Sub-District Hospital Kangan before being referred to SKIMS for specialised treatment.

Officials said all the injured pilgrims are under medical observation, while police have initiated an investigation into the incident.(NVI)

J&K LG Monitors Treatment of 39 Pilgrims Injured in Ganderbal Mishap

Srinagar, Jul 28 (NVI): Thirty-nine Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured after the bus they were travelling in met with an accident in the Gund area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday

The officials said the bus, carrying pilgrims returning after paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine, lost control near Ganiwan and skidded off the road before plunging into a gorge.

Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), civil administration and local volunteers launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured pilgrims to a hospital in Kangan.

Officials said all 39 injured pilgrims were later referred to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for specialised treatment. Two of the injured sustained head injuries but are in stable condition, while the condition of the remaining injured is also stated to be stable.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal and senior health officials to review the condition of the injured pilgrims.

In a post on X, Sinha said he had directed the health authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and all necessary assistance to the injured devotees. He also prayed for their speedy recovery.(NVI)

31 Amarnath pilgrims injured as bus overturns in J&K’s Ganderbal

Srinagar, July 28 (NVI): At least 31 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured after their bus overturned in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district in the early hours of Tuesday, officials said.

The bus, carrying pilgrims to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, met with the accident near the S-Mode stretch at Hariganiwan in the Gund area after it reportedly skidded off the road, they said.

Soon after the accident, personnel of the CRPF, ITBP, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other rescue agencies rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

All the injured pilgrims were shifted to Sub-District Hospital, Kangan. They were later referred to SKIMS, Srinagar, for specialised treatment, officials said.

The injured pilgrims belong to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, they said, adding that no fatalities were reported in the incident.

Police have taken cognisance of the accident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the mishap, officials added.(NVI)

Tourism Ministry and Air India join hands to promote country as preferred destination

Signing of MoU between Tourism Ministry and Air India

By Arun Kumar Das

New Delhi, July 27 (NVI) The Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Group-owned Air India Limited airlines to establish a strategic framework to promote India as a preferred global tourism destination.

The move is aimed at strengthening India’s position as a key aviation and transit hub.

The collaboration will leverage the Ministry of Tourism’s destination-promotion initiatives and Air India’s extensive domestic and international network to enhance India’s tourism visibility, strengthen inbound tourism and position the country as a global transit and travel hub.

The partnership is non-commercial, non-binding and non-exclusive, with no financial commitment on either party.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Air India in areas including tourism promotion, destination branding, content development, international marketing and stakeholder engagement.

They will leverage their digital platforms, global networks and outreach capabilities to promote India as a world-class tourism destination and contribute to increasing international tourist arrivals.

As part of the collaboration, the Ministry of Tourism and Air India will undertake joint global promotional campaigns under the Incredible India brand and explore co-branded marketing and destination storytelling across digital and offline platforms.

Tourism-related content will also be developed and disseminated through Air India’s customer touch points, including its in-flight entertainment platforms.

The Ministry and Air India will engage with State Tourism Boards and other tourism stakeholders to promote destinations across the country.

They will also explore branding opportunities across Air India’s platforms, including aircraft livery, boarding passes and in-flight media, subject to feasibility and mutual agreement.

A Joint Working Group comprising representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and Air India will oversee the implementation of the MoU, identify potential areas of collaboration and periodically review the progress of the proposed activities.

The MoU will remain valid for an initial period of two years from the effective date and may be extended by one additional year with the mutual consent of both parties.
The partnership is expected to provide a structured platform for strengthening India’s global tourism outreach, enhancing destination visibility and offering international travellers greater opportunities to discover the country through coordinated promotional efforts.

Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI.

As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft. (NVI)

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