The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

KATRA: The School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, hosted an insightful guest lecture by Dr. Sunita Pareek, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS), Bikaner. With over two decades of teaching and research experience, Dr. Pareek specialises in stress physiology and has extensively studied physiological responses and adaptation in animals.

The lecture explored the impact of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall on animal stress and behaviour. Dr. Pareek highlighted how these factors can act as stressors, affecting physiological balance, behaviour, and overall well-being. She also drew attention to the effects of human-induced environmental changes and anthropogenic activities, which can create additional stressors for animals and influence their normal behaviour.

She also introduced students to the emerging role of the gut microbiome in animal health and stress physiology, including the use of faecal/dung samples to study microbial communities. This offered an interesting perspective on how the environment, animal physiology, and the microbial ecosystem are closely interconnected.

What made the session particularly engaging was Dr. Pareek’s ability to simplify complex physiological concepts and relate them to familiar, real-world situations. Her lucid explanations encouraged students to look beyond conventional classroom knowledge and appreciate biological processes from new perspectives.

The session was both informative and thought-provoking, broadening the students’ understanding of how environmental changes can influence living systems. The event was organised and coordinated by Prof. Ratna Chandra and Dr. Indu Bhushan. On behalf of the School of Biotechnology, they expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Sunita Pareek for sharing her expertise and providing the students with an enriching academic experience.

The Registrar, Shri Ajay Sharma, JKAS, appreciated the efforts of the faculty, organisers, and students of the School of Biotechnology for their active participation and commitment to promoting academic excellence. The HVC, Prof. Pragati Kumar, extended best wishes to the School of Biotechnology for organising more such programmes in the future and encouraged the faculty and students to continue their pursuit of excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here