Srinagar, June 6

The University of Kashmir (KU) marked World Environment Day 2026 with a series of academic, outreach and environmental initiatives over the past three days, bringing together policymakers, academics, students and environmental experts to promote sustainability, climate action and ecological responsibility.

As part of the celebrations, a Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill, 2025, visited the university during its stakeholder consultations on higher education reforms, a statement of the KU issued here said.

Committee members participated in a plantation drive organised on the campus and visited the University Botanical Garden. They also interacted with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, senior university officials and faculty members on issues related to higher education.

The university organised a range of activities, including a walkathon, plantation drive, expert lectures, a painting exhibition and environmental awareness programmes.

Addressing participants at various events, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan stressed the importance of collective efforts to tackle environmental challenges and highlighted the role of universities in fostering ecological awareness, sustainable practices and informed public engagement on climate issues.

The main World Environment Day programme was organised by the Eco Club of the Department of Students Welfare in collaboration with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The event featured a walkathon, plantation drive, expert lecture and painting exhibition aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and youth participation in conservation efforts.

Students from Kashmir University Model High School also took part in the celebrations, presenting artworks focused on environmental protection.

The walkathon was flagged off by Khan in the presence of Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal, Dean Students Welfare Prof. Seema Singh, Dean School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Prof Parvez Ahmad, faculty members, students and guests.

Prof Seema Singh said such activities provide students with meaningful opportunities to express their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Prof Parvez Ahmad highlighted the need for greater public participation in addressing environmental degradation and climate change, noting that Jammu and Kashmir’s ecologically fragile landscape requires sustained conservation efforts and responsible resource management.

Separately, the Department of Environmental Science organised a two-day outreach programme in collaboration with Government Degree College DH Pora, Kulgam, and JAKNAP Projects Pvt Ltd.

The programme included hands-on training sessions, practical demonstrations and awareness activities focused on environmental monitoring and resource management.

Participants also visited the Sewage Treatment Plant at Mehandi Kadal in Anantnag to gain practical exposure to wastewater treatment and environmental management practices.

Speakers at the outreach programme, including Principal GDC DH Pora Prof Abdul Salam Dar, Head of the Department of Environmental Science Samiullah Bhat and Director South Campus Prof. Waseem Bari, emphasised the importance of strengthening environmental education and community engagement.

Meanwhile, the Department of English, in collaboration with the Ecosophical Foundation for the Study of Literature and Environment (EFSLE), organised a two-day international conference titled ‘Climate Action, Sustainability and Literature: The Ecosophical Proximity in the Contemporary Anthropocentric Epoch’.

The conference explored links between literature, sustainability and environmental thought, while promoting interdisciplinary dialogue on climate change and ecological responsibility.

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Srinagar, June 6

Government College for Women (GCW), M A Road, Srinagar, has been awarded the Gold Award for Green Campus and Sustainable Initiatives by the Climate Reality Project: India and South Asia, in recognition of its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate action.

The award acknowledges the college’s sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and the implementation of a range of green initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability, climate resilience and ecological responsibility, the college said in a statement.

The recognition follows year-round efforts by the institution, including air quality monitoring, adoption of solar energy, waste segregation and composting, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, expansion of green cover, plantation campaigns, heritage clean-up drives and environmental awareness programmes.

The award was announced during the valedictory function of the college’s week-long Environmental Week celebrations held from June 1 to June 6 under the World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”

The celebrations were organised by the Eco Club in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) units of the college under the patronage of Principal Prof. Yasmeen Farooq. The Eco Club, comprising faculty members from the departments of Environmental Science, Botany and Water Management, coordinated the programme under the convenorship of Asiya Nazir, Head of the Department of Environmental Science.

Congratulating students, faculty and staff on the achievement, Farooq said the award reflected the institution’s collective commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. She said the college would continue to strengthen green practices and contribute to climate action and ecological conservation.

The week-long programme saw participation from students, faculty members, NSS volunteers and NCC cadets in activities including awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives, waste audits, biodiversity competitions, renewable energy presentations, plantation drives and student-led environmental initiatives.

As part of the celebrations, students conducted campus and community cleanliness drives, including activities in the Bund area near Lal Chowk and within the college premises. Waste collected during the drives was segregated and documented as part of an environmental audit exercise.

The Department of Botany also organised a biodiversity quiz competition to promote awareness of ecological conservation, while a plantation drive was held on World Environment Day to encourage expansion of green cover.

The valedictory function at the Lalla Ded Auditorium featured student presentations, environmental-themed performances and poetry recitations highlighting the college’s sustainability initiatives.

Among those present were Prof. Azra Nahid Kamili, Director and Head of the Centre of Research for Development at the University of Kashmir, and Aadil Bhat, Climate Reality Leader and Programme Officer of the Climate Reality Project Jammu and Kashmir. The speakers emphasised the importance of youth-led climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable lifestyles in addressing environmental challenges.

The event concluded with the distribution of awards and certificates to students who participated in various Environmental Week activities.

The gold award reinforces GCW M A Road’s position among educational institutions promoting sustainability, environmental education and climate action, the statement said.

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Srinagar, June 6

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) conducted the Common Entrance Test (CET) for the G N M lateral entry course for the academic session 2026-27 at Jammu and Srinagar Centres on Saturday.

The test was conducted at S P College, M A Road, Srinagar, in the Kashmir division, and at Government M A M College, Jammu, in the Jammu division, with a total of 463 candidates appearing from across J&K.

To ensure smooth conduct of the entrance test, adequate arrangements had been put in place in collaboration with the respective institution and college administration and law enforcement agencies, under the guidance of Prof Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, J&K BOPEE.

Under the vigilant supervision of the staff from the respective institutions and colleges, the examination concluded without any untoward incident.

The Chairperson, along with the Members, Secretary, Controller of Examinations and officials of the J&K BOPEE actively monitored the conduct of the Common Entrance Test at both the centres in Jammu and Srinagar. They thanked the staff members of the respective colleges and the staff deployed under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioners in the respective district headquarters for the smooth conduct of the test.

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Srinagar, June 5

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday directed district administrations and security agencies to put in place comprehensive arrangements for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-examination scheduled for June 21, stressing the need for a secure, transparent and disruption-free process across Jammu and Kashmir.

The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting attended by senior officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), police, civil administration and education departments.

The meeting focused on finalising logistical and security preparations for the examination, which is one of India’s largest entrance tests for undergraduate medical courses.

Dulloo emphasised the importance of meticulous planning and coordination among all agencies involved in conducting the examination.

“The conduct of the examination must be fair, transparent and completely secure,” he told officials, according to participants in the meeting.

The chief secretary instructed deputy commissioners to personally oversee preparations in their respective districts and coordinate closely with police authorities and NTA-appointed city coordinators.

He also directed authorities to prepare detailed checklists covering all aspects of examination management, from security arrangements to infrastructure readiness.

Officials discussed district-wise preparedness, including the number of examination centres, availability of personnel and arrangements for transportation and monitoring.

Dulloo said examination centres should, wherever possible, be established in government educational institutions and thoroughly inspected well in advance of the examination date.

Particular emphasis was placed on surveillance and anti-cheating measures.

The chief secretary directed district administrations to ensure the availability and proper functioning of CCTV surveillance systems, mobile signal jammers and uninterrupted electricity supply at all centres.

Authorities were also instructed to provide backup power systems, drinking water and other basic facilities for candidates.

The review comes amid heightened scrutiny of national-level examinations following concerns raised in recent years regarding examination integrity and alleged irregularities.

Officials said the administration was determined to ensure that students appearing for the examination faced no inconvenience.

National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh briefed the meeting on technology-driven measures being implemented to strengthen transparency and security during the conduct of the test.

According to Singh, inspections of all designated examination centres are expected to be completed by June 14.

He also highlighted the role of State Level Coordination Committees and District Level Coordination Committees established to oversee preparations and ensure coordination among various agencies.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on combating misinformation related to the examination.

Singh urged authorities to closely monitor social media platforms and act promptly against the spread of rumours or unverified information that could create confusion among candidates.

Officials said false information circulating online had the potential to adversely affect students preparing for the examination and could undermine public confidence in the process.

The meeting was attended by the principal secretary (Home), the additional director general of police for law and order, senior education department officials, divisional commissioners, inspectors general of police and deputy commissioners from across Jammu and Kashmir.

District officials joined the meeting through video conferencing.

The NEET examination serves as the gateway to undergraduate medical and dental courses across India and is taken annually by hundreds of thousands of students.

Authorities said preparations would continue over the coming weeks to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Srinagar, June 5

Academics, researchers and environmental scholars from India and abroad gathered at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Thursday for a two-day international conference examining the relationship between climate change, sustainability and literature, as institutions increasingly explore interdisciplinary approaches to addressing environmental challenges.

The conference ‘Climate Action, Sustainability and Literature: The Ecosophical Proximity in the Contemporary Anthropocentric Epoch,’ has been organised by the university’s Department of English in collaboration with the Ecosophical Foundation for the Study of Literature and Environment (EFSLE).

Organisers said the event seeks to create a platform for dialogue on climate change, ecological responsibility and sustainable development through the lens of literature, culture and the humanities.

The conference comes at a time when climate-related concerns have assumed increasing importance globally, with scientists warning that rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation require coordinated responses from governments, researchers and civil society.

Addressing the inaugural session, University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Nilofer Khan said climate change was no longer a distant or theoretical concern but a reality affecting communities across the world.

“Climate change is no longer a distant possibility but a lived reality,” Khan said.

She said universities had an important responsibility in promoting awareness, encouraging critical inquiry and generating knowledge capable of contributing to environmental sustainability.

According to Khan, literature and the humanities can provide valuable perspectives on environmental crises by helping societies understand the human dimensions of climate change and ecological degradation.

“Universities must encourage critical reflection and informed public discourse on environmental challenges,” she said.

The conference brings together scholars from disciplines including literature, environmental studies, anthropology, policy studies and cultural research.

Speakers emphasised the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with broader social and cultural understanding in order to develop effective responses to environmental challenges.

Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, said climate change required coordinated action involving governments, academic institutions, communities and policymakers.

Romshoo highlighted the importance of combining scientific understanding with governance and policy frameworks capable of promoting environmental resilience and sustainable development.

Dean Academic Affairs at the University of Kashmir, Shariefuddin Pirzada, stressed the value of interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration in advancing sustainability-related discussions.

He said environmental challenges increasingly cut across traditional academic boundaries and therefore require collaborative approaches involving multiple disciplines.

Rishikesh Kumar, president of EFSLE, spoke about the growing relevance of ecosophical approaches in literary and cultural studies and their role in understanding contemporary environmental concerns.

Earlier, Head of the Department of English Mufti Mudasir Farooqi outlined the objectives of the conference and said it aimed to encourage dialogue among scholars, researchers and practitioners examining environmental issues from literary and interdisciplinary perspectives.

The conference programme includes keynote lectures, plenary sessions, technical presentations and panel discussions involving participants from institutions in India and abroad.

One of the keynote addresses is being delivered by Diana J. Fox of Bridgewater State University in the United States.

Organisers said discussions would focus on themes including climate action, sustainability, ecocriticism, environmental humanities and the role of culture and literature in shaping ecological awareness.

The event reflects a growing trend within higher education institutions to integrate environmental concerns into humanities and social science research, alongside traditional scientific approaches to climate studies.

Proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by faculty member Iffat Maqbool of the Department of English.

The conference concluded with additional technical sessions and research presentations examining contemporary environmental challenges and pathways toward sustainability.

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Ganderbal, June 4

A three-day workshop on ethnography, community engagement, water resources and governance concluded at the North Cliff Campus of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in Ganderbal, bringing together researchers, academics, students and policy experts from across the country.

The workshop ‘Ethnography and Documentation of Cultures: Community Engagement, Water Resources and Governance’, was jointly organised by the Anthropos India Foundation (AIF), the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), and the Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir (KUU), with support from the Ministry of Culture and SKUAST-K.

The programme focused on ethnographic research methods, participatory rural appraisal, community documentation, governance studies and policy engagement.

Participants also took part in field-based learning exercises in Mamar village to gain practical experience in community interaction and participatory research techniques.

Organisers said the workshop featured sessions led by experts from academic and research institutions across India, addressing issues related to cultural documentation, governance and sustainable development.

A key highlight of the event was the release of the book ‘Children’s Rights, Vulnerabilities and Protection in Disasters’, edited by Prof Shazia Manzoor and Javaid Rashid. The latest edition of Anthro Bulletin, the monthly digital magazine of AIF, was also launched during the valedictory session.

Speaking at the closing session, Prof Syed Naseem Geelani stressed the importance of community-led initiatives for supporting forest-dependent communities, improving livelihoods and promoting conservation of natural resources.

Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar of the Central University of Kashmir, highlighted the role of ethnographic documentation in preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Vasu Yadav, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, underscored the importance of participatory research in strengthening governance and advancing sustainable development.

The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants and a call for greater research-driven community engagement and cultural documentation initiatives across the region.

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Srinagar, June 4

The University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), organised an awareness programme on digital signatures and public key infrastructure, highlighting the growing importance of secure digital communications and cyber security.

The programme was organised by the Directorate of Information Technology and Support Systems (IT&SS) and brought together officials from the J&K Police, CID, NIELIT, SKUAST-K, industry representatives, faculty members, students, research scholars and university officials.

Speaking on the occasion, IT&SS Director Maroof Qadri underscored the role of digital signatures and public key infrastructure in strengthening digital governance, enhancing cyber security and enabling trusted electronic transactions.

Chief guest Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean Academic Affairs at the University of Kashmir, stressed the need for greater awareness and capacity building in cyber security and secure digital technologies.

Technical sessions were conducted by Muhammad Misbahuddin, Scientist-F at C-DAC Bengaluru; Balaji Rajendran, Associate Director at C-DAC Bengaluru; and Shamsuddin Khan, Assistant Controller (Technology) in the Office of the Controller of Certifying Authorities under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The experts discussed digital signatures, public key infrastructure, electronic authentication, digital trust and secure digital communications, outlining their role in building a secure digital ecosystem.

Organisers said the programme provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of technologies that underpin trust, security and authenticity in digital interactions.

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Srinagar, June 3

Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir A Ravinder Nath on Wednesday urged students across India to apply for admission to the university, highlighting academic reforms, expanded financial assistance, infrastructure development and new programme approvals for the 2026-27 academic session.

Addressing a press conference at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district, Nath said the university had undertaken extensive curriculum reforms in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, redesigning courses to strengthen employability, multidisciplinary learning, skill development and research.

He said departments had conducted curriculum design workshops to align academic programmes with industry requirements, research priorities and the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The vice chancellor said the university had introduced a credit-based fee structure that allows students to reduce academic expenses by earning credits through recognised online platforms and partner institutions under the Academic Bank of Credits framework.

He added that financial assistance had been expanded through tuition fee waivers and support schemes aimed at students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Under the university’s Student Assistance Fund, up to 40 percent of students are eligible for tuition fee concessions based on merit-cum-means criteria, while the Earn While Learn programme enables students to earn up to Rs 4000 per month and a maximum of Rs 12,000 per semester through academic and community-service assignments, he said.

Nath also announced that the Government of India had sanctioned approximately Rs 500 crore for the phased development of the university’s Tulmulla campus, including academic buildings, research facilities, innovation centres, incubation hubs and student amenities.

He said the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) had approved several programmes for the 2026-27 academic year, including B Tech courses in Civil Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering, M Tech programmes in Structural Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, as well as MBA, BBA and MBA in Travel and Tourism.

The university’s BA LLB and LLM programmes have received approval from the Bar Council of India, while integrated teacher education programmes have been approved by the National Council for Teacher Education, he said.

Director of Media and Public Relations Centre Shahid Rasool said the university had witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, academic reforms and institutional development over the past three years.

Providing details of admissions, In-charge Directorate of Admissions Arif Nazir Zargar said postgraduate admissions for the 2026-27 session were already underway.

He said candidates who appeared in CUET-PG 2026 could apply for a range of postgraduate programmes, including courses in humanities, social sciences, commerce, education, law, sciences, journalism and engineering.

Zargar also announced that online applications had been invited for PhD programmes in disciplines including biotechnology, botany, chemistry, civil engineering, journalism, commerce, economics, education, English, information technology, law, management studies, mathematics, physical education, physics, politics and governance, philosophy, religious studies, tourism studies, Urdu and zoology.

The registration process for PhD admissions has begun and will remain open until June 17, 2026, he said.

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Srinagar, June 3

A three-day Advanced School of Antenna (ASA) 2026, described by organisers as the first programme of its kind in the region, concluded at the University of Kashmir on Tuesday.

The programme was organised by the university in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, the IEEE AP-S and CRFID Delhi Chapter and the IEEE AP-S/MTT-S Kolkata Chapter.

Held on the theme ‘Antennas in Biomedical and Biotelemetry Devices’, the event brought together researchers, faculty members, students and experts from across India to discuss advances in antenna engineering and their applications in healthcare technologies.

Speaking at the valedictory session, Vice Chancellor KU, Nilofer Khan said the programme highlighted the growing role of interdisciplinary research in addressing challenges in healthcare and technology.

“ASA 2026 provided an excellent platform for researchers, faculty members and students to engage with leading experts and emerging innovations in antenna technologies and biomedical applications,” Khan said.

Dean of the School of Engineering at Kashmir University, Mohammad Tariq Banday, and In-charge Director of NIT Srinagar, Roohie Naaz, emphasised the importance of collaborative research and academic partnerships in promoting innovation and emerging technologies.

Head of the Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Technology at Kashmir University, Farooq Ahmad Khanday, said the programme enabled participants to interact with internationally recognised experts and gain exposure to recent developments in antenna design and biomedical applications.

Organisers said the event was intended to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen research at the intersection of antenna technologies, biotelemetry systems and healthcare innovation.

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Srinagar, June 3

A three-day national conference focusing on the integration of technology in agriculture, veterinary sciences, and ecology commenced on Tuesday at the Shalimar campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).

The conference, ‘Technological Integrations in Agriculture, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences for Viksit Bharat (TIC-2026)’, has been organised in collaboration with the Society for Integrated Development of Agriculture, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences and aims to provide a platform for discussions on emerging challenges and opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, veterinary sciences and environmental sustainability.

Addressing the inaugural session, SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai said technological integration would be critical to transforming India’s agricultural sector and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Ganai described the conference theme as timely and relevant, highlighting the role of digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, precision farming, climate-smart technologies and entrepreneurship in strengthening agricultural productivity and sustainability.

He also stressed the need for greater collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industry stakeholders and farmers to promote sustainable growth and food security.

Director Extension at SKUAST-K, Raihana Habib Kanth, outlined the objectives of the conference and said it would encourage innovation-driven agricultural development through interdisciplinary cooperation and technological advancement.

Other dignitaries attending the inaugural session included Director Education Mohammad Altaf Bhat, Registrar Azmat Alam Khan and J. P. Sharma, founder president of SIDAVES.

Organising Secretary Fayaz Bahar delivered the vote of thanks.

The conference has attracted more than 250 delegates, including scientists, academicians, policymakers, industry representatives and researchers from across India. Participants represent institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), state agricultural universities, research organisations and extension agencies.

Organisers said the event would feature presentations of research findings, discussions on challenges facing the agricultural sector and a dedicated panel discussion aimed at formulating recommendations for farmers and policymakers.

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