‘Never stop chasing your dreams’: LG to youth

Attends Silver Jubilee Celebrations of DPS, Jammu

Jammu, Dec 04 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Delhi Public School, Jammu on Monday.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the Administration, Teachers and Students of Delhi Public School on the occasion.

He said the reputed educational institution, under the care and tutelage of Maharaja Hari Singh Social & Education Foundation Trust and Rajput Charitable Trust, has made immense contribution in shaping the future of young talents and social transformation.

The Lt Governor highlighted the transformation taking place in education sector and emphasized the need to reinvent the concepts of classroom learning.

“School is the cradle of future leaders and centre of creativity, character building and a fundamental medium to strengthen the value system in our society. Today, the real challenge before our education system is to promote learning beyond classroom and impart life skills,” the Lt Governor said.

He called upon the teaching community and the educational institutions to adopt best practices aligned with the National Education Policy to bridge the learning gaps.

National Education Policy has provided the immense possibilities to elevate the learning and create a conducive environment for critical thinking, creativity, individuality and inquisitiveness to flourish so that our young children can learn new things, he said.

At Silver Jubilee Celebrations, the Lt Governor encouraged the students to follow their passion and believe in their abilities and potential.

“Never stop chasing your dreams, is my message to our youth. Discover what you really love doing, strive continuously to achieve new goals, reflect on your greatest passion and never ever stop believing in yourself,” the Lt Governor said.

Ajatshatru Singh, former Minister and President, Rajput Charitable Trust, J&K extended his gratitude to the Lt Governor for his encouraging presence and inspiring thoughts, affirming the faculty and students.

Dr. Ritu Singh, Pro-Vice Chairperson, DPS Jammu highlighted the initiatives including ‘Project Vriddhi’ and ‘Project Roshni’ aimed at fostering inclusivity and technological empowerment, for societal betterment.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor inaugurated Roshni lab dedicated to empowerment of visually impaired students.

He also felicitated the winners of the NHPC painting competition and the girls belonging to rural areas who successfully completed basic course on computer education under the ‘Vriddhi’ project.

Students of DPS Jammu presented a Book Report to the Lt Governor on their entrepreneurial project of river cleaning using drone technology.

S.S. Sodhi, Director DPS Jammu; Principals, teachers and students of the DPS Jammu, DPS SMVDU-Katra, DPS Nagbani and prominent personalities from different walks of life were present—(KNO)

6 Kulgam workers killed as many injured in Shimla accident

LG Sinha, DC Kulgam expresses condolences; Admin in touch with Shimla authorities to transport bodies to native villages, says DC Kulgam

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Kulgam, Dec 04 (KNO): At least six workers from south Kashmir’s Kulgam district died, and as many were injured in a road accident in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh on Monday morning, police said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that six persons have died when a truck, they were travelling in, fell into a gorge at Kararghat.

He said three persons died on the spot while others succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Fareed Ahmad Deedar, (24), Gulam Hussain Gorsi (43), Shabir Ahmad Deedar, (19), Talib Hussain Tinda (23), Gulzar Ahmad Deedar (30), and Mushtaq Ahmad Dedar (30)—all residents of Kulgam.

The injured were identified as Manzoor Ahmad Denda, Talib Hussain Denda—both from Kulgam and Aslam Deedar from Anantnag, Ranjit, driver of the vehicle, Akash Kumar and Ajay Thakur.

“The injured are currently under treatment at the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital (IGMCH),” SP said, adding that a case in this regard has been registered and set an investigation into motion.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr.Bilal-Mohi-Ud-Din-Bhat expressed grief over the loss of lives in a road accident at Shimla.

He said that district administration Kulgam is in touch with Shimla Administration for transportation of bodies of all the deceased to their native villages.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the Shimla road accident.

Taking to microblogging site ‘X’ formerly Twitter, Manoj Sinha wrote; “Anguished by the tragic road accident in Shimla, in which six Kulgam residents have lost their lives. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Directed DC Kulgam to provide all necessary assistance to the next of kin of each deceased.”—(KNO)

Sonamarg to host ice skating this winter; tourism stakeholders overjoyed

Raja Syed Rather

Ganderbal, Dec 04 (KNO): For the first time, ice skating is set to commence in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, specifically in Sonamarg – The Golden Meadow.

Sonamarg, renowned for its scenic beauty, possesses significant tourism potential. In light of the consistent influx of tourists to this place in recent years, the government has initiated an ice skating course this winter.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), local resident Sheikh Showkat expressed optimism, saying this endeavour by the administration presents a valuable opportunity for the tourism sector during the winter season.

“Previously, Sonamarg remained closed, but with this initiative, tourism and the market are expected to expand. The Yatri Nivas ground for ice skating is also close to the market, which will provide an economic advantage for tourists staying in proximity,” Showkat said.

Another local, Bashir Ahmed, said the news of ice skating starting this winter has filled the people of Sonamarg with joy. “This initiative will create employment opportunities for the youth through learning, guiding, forming ice skating clubs, and collaborating with the tourism department,” he said, adding that the move is a significant opportunity for tourists, locals and the market.

Speaking to KNO, a sportsperson Tabia Jan said it is an “excellent opportunity” for youth to learn a new game, acquire new skills, unleash their potential, excel in sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

With winter tourism and winter games, Sonamarg is poised to establish itself as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map. The success story of the tourism boom in ‘The Golden Meadow’ stands as a testament to the region’s natural beauty and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders promoting and sustaining tourism in this picturesque part of the Ganderbal district.

Chief Executive Officer of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), Ilyas Ahmed, said, “We have devised a basic programme using our resources, and we aim to involve more locals in ice skating.”

“As this is happening for the first time, we plan to include approximately 15 participants in the basic course. Additionally, we intend to expand this initiative and involve local stakeholders in it.”—(KNO)

Allocation of additional 293 MWs brings huge respite from distress curtailment in J&K: Govt

Curtailment schedule being followed, no unscheduled cuts now: Pr Sec Prasad

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 04 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir power Development Department (JKPDD) Monday said that the recently allocated 293 MW additional power by the union ministry has brought huge reduction in distress curtailment.

Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD) H Rajesh Prasad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “Unscheduled power cuts have reduced since GoI has announced power supply of 293 MG. We have been able to maintain the schedule cuts.”

Asked about the ongoing curtailment schedule of power, the principal secretary said, “The ongoing schedule will continue to remain in effect. We are not reducing it.” He said that the department was maintaining more than what was being supplied last year. “As of now we cannot say as to how much of power demand and supply will be there because of several factors including power availability, peak winters and availability of funds,” Prasad said.

He said that the department didn’t want to make any promises which it won’t deliver.

Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Distribution for KPDCL, Javed Yousuf Dar told KNO that there was an improvement in the situation in this regard. “There has been a huge reduction in distress curtailment.”—(KNO)

Weather Update

Mostly dry weather is expected in Jammu and Kashmir during the next 6 days

Temperature Update

Starting tomorrow, expect a notable decline in night temperatures. In Kashmir plains, temperatures might fall to minus 3 – 4°C, and a few areas can register temperatures even lower than that.
Below normal temperatures are also expected in Jammu plains & higher reaches.

Regards: Kashmir Weather