Monday, March 17, 2025
Advertisementspot_img
Home Blog Page 533

Jammu-Srinagar Rail Expected to Launch Next Year, Officials Aiming for Operation in 4-5 Months

0

Jammu-Srinagar Rail likely to start in next year

We are hopeful to run it in next 4 to 5 months: Railway officials

Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar, Nov 20: The Jammu-Srinagar rail link is expected to become operational from early next year, marking a significant milestone in the transportation infrastructure of the region.

This railway project, aimed at enhancing connectivity and accessibility between Jammu and Srinagar, is poised to bring about transformative changes in the transportation landscape.

A high-ranking official from the Railways, speaking on the progress, expressed satisfaction, stating, “The USBRL project is a testament to the engineering prowess and determination of the team involved. We have overcome numerous challenges, including adverse weather conditions and difficult terrains, to bring this dream to fruition. The completion of this project will be a game-changer for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We are hopeful that in the next four to five months, the rail will reach Srinagar from Jammu,” the official told KNS, insisting not to be named.

The railway line, one of the most challenging and ambitious railway projects in the country, traverses through the picturesque terrains of the Jammu and Kashmir mountain range.

The route includes numerous tunnels, bridges, and challenging topography, making it an engineering marvel.

Once operational, the railway link is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a more convenient and efficient mode of transportation for commuters and cargo alike.

The Jammu-Srinagar rail link is also poised to have far-reaching implications for tourism in the region, making it more accessible for both domestic and international travelers.

The scenic route is expected to attract tourists who wish to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayan region while enjoying the comfort and convenience of rail travel.

Speaking about the development, one of the local BJP leaders expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This railway link has been a long-awaited dream for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Its operationalization will not only make our journeys more comfortable but will also open up new avenues for trade and tourism.”

Authorities involved in the project have assured that the necessary infrastructure and safety measures are being put in place to ensure a smooth and secure operation of the railway link.

Encompassing a sprawling 345-mile stretch, the USBRL project is intricately designed to connect the scenic towns of Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla, navigating through formidable terrains and challenging geographic obstacles.

Despite these obstacles, the unwavering dedication of the project team has propelled construction forward, with recent developments indicating that the final stages are well underway.

Anticipation is palpable among the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the inauguration of the USBRL project, slated to be a momentous occasion for the region.

It is noteworthy that regular train services already operate between Jammu-Udhampur-Katra in the Jammu region and Baramulla-Banihal in Kashmir.

The Railway ministry has previously affirmed that a Vande Bharat Metro train will ply between Jammu and Srinagar once the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) becomes fully operational.

Two remarkable bridges on the section contribute to the project’s engineering marvels. The Chenab Railway Bridge, one of the highest globally, defies gravity as it stands tall over the Chenab River, presenting a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the Pir Panjal mountain range.

While not as towering as the Chenab Railway Bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge holds its own significance. Spanning the Anji Khad River, this bridge showcases intricate design and meticulous planning, representing a critical link in the overall connectivity of the USBRL project.–(KNS)

AI-based system introduced for detection of TB cases in Kashmir

0

AI-based system introduced for detection of TB cases in Kashmir

‘Sound bank with over 20,000 sounds created to help recognise TB cases’

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): Authorities in Kashmir have initiated Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to detect potential tuberculosis cases to enhance surveillance and work towards making the division TB-free.

An official of the State Tuberculosis Office told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an artificial intelligence system has been started in districts that have been already tuberculosis-free to keep more surveillance and fully eradicate the disease.

While AI algorithms can efficiently identify potential tuberculosis cases, the official recommended a comprehensive clinical examination and follow-up tests. He said the integration of AI reduces the number of patients requiring extensive tests, making resource allocation more efficient and cost-effective.

“This combined approach significantly reduces costs while enhancing the detection of TB cases. By screening patients in the community and detecting TB early, better outcomes are achieved, and shorter treatment courses become possible,” the health official said, adding that early detection is crucial in limiting the spread of this highly contagious disease.

The official added that the introduction of AI in tuberculosis diagnosis offers hope in the global fight against the disease, particularly in remote areas with limited diagnostic facilities.

He said though TB cases are on the decline in Kashmir, the disease continues to remain a significant global threat. “But with the power of AI, we are hopeful of eradicating this global menace at the earliest,” he said.

The AI system, already operational in tuberculosis-free districts, is set to expand across the entire Kashmir region, he said, adding that training has been provided to staff, and a mobile app has been developed to enable people to record their cough sounds.

“Through this app, a person will be informed whether he/she needs to go for further screening or not as a cough bank with around 20,000 cough sounds (under national study) has been recorded to identify sounds resembling with potential case of TB,” he said.

Dr Adfar Qadri, the State Tuberculosis Officer, told KNO that J&K has become a trendsetter in healthcare as two more districts – Anantnag and Pulwama – have been declared TB-free after Srinagar and Budgam.

Srinagar received a gold medal for its efforts, contributing to the region’s success in combating tuberculosis, Dr Adfar said, adding, “We will achieve TB elimination by 2025 as we are doing intensified and active case finding and case screening.”

Dr Qadri said tuberculosis is declining in Kashmir. “We will achieve TB elimination by 2025 as we are doing intensified and active case finding and case screening. Several measures have been taken over the years to develop infrastructure and employ manpower for the early detection and effective treatment of the disease.”—(KNO)

Power Shortage Paralyzes Kashmir’s Industrial Sector: Production Plummets by 75%

0

Power crisis chokes Industrial Sector in Kashmir; Production Plummets by 75%. From hospitality to cottage industries, power shortage has deeply affected service sector: KCCI; over 500 sawmill units affected, says FCIK

Mubashir Aalam Wanni

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): The escalation of the power crisis continues hitting the industrial sector of the valley, leading to a staggering 75% decline in production, claimed industrialists.

The valley for more than a month has been witnessing power crisis, which has affected both domestic as well as commercial consumers.

Shahid Kamili, president Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the current power scenario has escalated the loss of industrialists.

“The impact of the current power scenario on the industrial sector is beyond imagination. We have limited hours of work during winter seasons and the absence of electricity is complicating our problems,” he said.

While Kamli said that 75 percent decline in production is reported by the industrial sector, he added many industries are on the verge of turning into Non-Performing Assets.

“When there is no output, the industries won’t bear the shock of reporting spontaneous losses. The industrialists are working on cost-competitiveness. The industrialists are failing to manage installments for loans,” he said.

Giving an example of sawmills, Kamli said more than 500 such units are currently affected in the valley. “We have almost 500 sawmills registered with the federation. We often hear about the losses being faced by them. Apart from these industries, we have many units including cold storage, diagnostics and others which also report heavy losses,” he said.

The industries that, as per Kamli are majorly hit include cold storage, apple grading and packaging industries and furniture industries.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) said they regularly get SoS calls from various industries that suffer due to the lack of proper power supply.

“From hospitality to cottage industries, the power situation has deeply affected the service sector. Neither industrialists nor small traders are able to manage their business due to the unscheduled power cuts,” said Secretary General KCCI Faiz Ahmad Bakshi.

He said they are now seeking intervention from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding the issue.

“Every sector is suffering. We seek the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha to improve the power situation in Kashmir,” Bakshi said—(KNO)

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for class 6-12 and PG students

0

Name 1: Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2023-24

Description:

The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships aim to enable and propel India’s future leaders who can think big, think green, think digital for the benefit of society.

Eligibility:

Students who are enrolled in the first-year full-time regular postgraduation programmes in following streams can only apply for this scholarship:

Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence

Mathematics and Computing

Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Renewable and New Energy

Material Science & Engineering

Life Science

Must have secured 550 to 1,000 in the GATE examination

OR

Must have scored 7.5 or above in their undergraduate CGPA (or % normalized to CGPA) [If students have not attempted GATE]

Open for resident Indian citizens.

Prizes & Rewards:

Up to INR 6,00,000 over the duration of the degree

Last Date to Apply: 17-12-2023

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/ksa/RFS9

Scholarship Name 2: SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for School Students 2023

Description:

SBI Foundation has launched the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for School Students 2023 to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families across India to ensure continuity of their education

Eligibility:

Open for Indian students currently studying in Classes 6 to 12. Applicants must have scored a minimum of 75% marks in the previous academic year. Their annual family income must be less than INR 3,00,000 from all sources.

Prizes & Rewards:

INR 10,000 for one year

Last Date to Apply: 30-11-2023

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/ksa/SBIFS6

Scholarship Name 3: L’Oréal BOOST 2023

Description:

L’Oréal India invites applications from students in their final and pre-final years of diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Eligibility:

Must be studying in the final or pre-final years* of ITI diploma, vocational course, under-graduation, and post-graduation program* at any recognised college or university within India

Or must have been employed following their graduation or post graduation from a college or university that is not included on the NIRF List. Such candidates ought to have no more than 5 years** of work experience.

Must be within the age group of 18–30 years

The family income of the applicant must be less than INR 8 Lakh (from all sources)

*Final or second-last year of the course, depending on the duration of the course. Click on the short source URL for more details.

**If the applicant has worked before or during the course of their graduation or post-graduation, their work experience must not exceed 5 years.

Prizes & Rewards:

Opportunity to participate in elaborate online upskilling webinars to be conducted by industry experts.

A three-month free-of-cost unlimited access to 34 courses on Coursera, a learning platform with more than 5,800 courses, professional certificates, and degrees from universities and companies all around the world.

Exclusive one-to-one mentorship sessions from leading professionals at L’Oréal India

Click on the short source URL for more details

Last Date to Apply: 15-12-2023

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/ksa/LEAD2

JKBOSE Notification for Private/ Bi- Annual Candidates , check here

JKBOSE Notification for Private/ Bi- Annual Candidates

The candidate bearing the following Roll no. had applied for obtaining the photo copy of the answer sheets pertaining to State Open School Examination (SOS) Session Annual Private/ Bi- Annual, 2021-22 is hereby informed to report/attend at BOSE campus, Rehari Colony, Jammu (Secrecy Unit-1) on 21-11-2023 from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM for collection of his photo copies of answer sheet/s.

The detail of Roll No. is shown as under:-

JKBOSE Notification for Private

Authorities to announce winter vacation for primary schools shortly

0

Authorities to announce winter vacation for primary schools shortly

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): Amid cold weather conditions, the authorities are mulling to announce winter vacation for primary schools in the Kashmir Valley shortly, officials said here on Monday.

A top official of School Education Department informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the department will announce its decision shortly.

lWe are considering early winter vacation for primary schools in view of cold weather conditions,” he said.

The official said that they will announce the vacation shortly—(KNO)

Winter Vacation 2023 in Jammu Kashmir Schools

Srinagar 20 Nov (DS): Amid freezing weather conditions Jammu and Kashmir government is considering winter vacation for lower and primary classes, officials said on Monday.

Principal secretary education Alok Kumar Kumar told Daily Spark that “Vacation is being considered for primary and lower classes”
Kumar said, Order regarding same would come up shortly.

Big News Regarding Winter Vacation 2023

Its pertinent to mention that Kashmir valley is experiencing minus temperaturesand dense fog from past week.

Meanwhile, PSAJK and parents have also requested the government to consider winter vacations on priority basis. DS — Daily Spark

Big News Regarding Winter Vacation 2023, check latest update here

0

Winter vacation for primary, lower classes being considered: Alok Kumar

Order to come up shortly

Aazan Manzoor

Srinagar 20 Nov (DS): Amid freezing weather conditions Jammu and Kashmir government is considering winter vacation for lower and primary classes, officials said on Monday.

Principal secretary education Alok Kumar Kumar told Daily Spark that “Vacation is being considered for primary and lower classes”
Kumar said, Order regarding same would come up shortly.

Its pertinent to mention that Kashmir valley is experiencing minus temperaturesand dense fog from past week.

Meanwhile, PSAJK and parents have also requested the government to consider winter vacations on priority basis. DS — Daily Spark

BCAS Recruitment 2023: 160 Vacant Posts, Apply online

0

BCAS Recruitment 2023: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is inviting applications for several vacant posts under Group A, Group B, and Group C jobs. Through this recruitment drive, the organization aims at filling up a total of 160 vacant posts. Interested candidates are to check their eligibility before applying for the vacant posts.

An official notification for the recruitment drive has already been released on the official website of BCAS at bcasindia.gov.in. It is to be noted that applications are to be submitted via offline mode only. Notably, the last date for submitting the offline applications is 45 days after the publication of the notice in Employment news. For further details, check below.

BCAS Recruitment 2023 Important dates

  • Release date of notice in Employment News: November 11, 2023
  • Final date for submission of Offline applications: December 17, 2023

BCAS Recruitment 2023 Vacant posts

  • Joint Director/ Regional Director: 02 vacant posts
  • Deputy Director: 02 vacant posts
  • Assistant Director: 06 vacant posts
  • CASLO Coordinator: 03 vacant posts
  • Senior Aviation Security Officer: 11 vacant posts
  • Aviation Security Officer: 30 vacant posts
  • Deputy Aviation Security Officer: 43 vacant posts
  • Senior Aviation Security Officer: 06 vacant posts
  • Aviation Security Assistant: 24 vacant posts
  • Staff Car Driver (Grade-I): 07 vacant posts
  • Staff Car Driver (Grade-II): 07 vacant posts
  • Staff Car Driver (Ordinary Grade): 03 vacant posts
  • Dispatch Rider: 16 vacant posts

Total: 160 posts

BCAS Recruitment 2023 Maximum Age Limit

  • Joint Director/ Regional Director: 56 years of age
  • Deputy Director: 56 years of age
  • Assistant Director: 52 years of age
  • CASLO Coordinator: 56 years of age
  • Senior Aviation Security Officer: 56 years of age
  • Aviation Security Officer: 56 years of age
  • Deputy Aviation Security Officer: 56 years of age
  • Senior Aviation Security Officer: 56 years of age
  • Aviation Security Assistant: 40 years of age
  • Staff Car Driver (Grade-I): 56 years of age
  • Staff Car Driver (Grade-II): 56 years of age
  • Staff Car Driver (Ordinary Grade): 53 years of age
  • Dispatch Rider: 52 years of age

For all other detailed information, candidates are advised to check the official notification.

How to Apply

  • Candidates are to visit the official website of BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) at bcasindia.gov.in.
  • Go to the section of Announcements from the homepage
  • The candidate will now find the notification pdf in a new window
  • Download and save the notification for all future references

Winter Challenges for School Children: PSAJK Urges Government to Consider Early Vacations for Lower Classes

Fog, Minus Temperature Makes Life of School Children Difficult

PSAJK Appeals Government to announce early Winter Vacations especially for the lower classes

Srinagar, Nov 20: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has asked the government to announce the winter vacation for schools, especially for lower classes on a priority basis, due to minus temperatures and foggy conditions.
The Association said that they have been receiving representations from a number of parents and even schools about the inclement weather conditions. “For a 4-year-old kid, it is extremely difficult to get up early and get ready for school during this weather. We are not a developed nation where houses, buses, and schools are all centrally heated. We have to adjust according to the weather,” said a spokesperson of PSAJK. “Even for parents, it is a difficult task to prepare their wards for schools.”
The Association said that exposure to extreme foggy conditions and minus temperatures can have a negative impact on health of children. At schools too, these children are not able to focus, thus the entire exercise of classes goes to waste. “In order to safeguard the health of our children, we ask the government to announce the winter vacations as early as possible,” he said.
The PSAJK reiterated its demand for re-adjusting the academic calendar in accordance with the local temperature. “We have time and again conveyed to the government that the March session is not feasible for Kashmir. Our schools usually complete their syllabus up to November. We have harsh winters, and during the March session, these months are simply lost, as students don’t know whether to revise old lessons or use the time to study the syllabus of new classes,” he said.
The Association said that the government should align the academic calendar of Kashmir in accordance with local weather conditions. Government orders cannot change weather conditions, and it is in the best interest that we switch back to the old calendar. “The March session has created numerous problems, and it needs to be dealt with before more damage is done. The October session is a norm in almost every country that has harsh winters and we are not demanding something extraordinary,” he said.