KATHUA: University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), University of Jammu successfully organized one-day workshop on the topic "Virtual Labs” in collaboration with Electrical Engineering Department of IIT Roorkee today. This workshop. an initiative of Ministry of Education under the National Mission on Education through ICT, was aimed to familiarize faculty and students of Civil Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering Departments of UIET with the concept, usage, functioning, accessibility, and benefits of virtual laboratories, especially in the context of remote and hybrid learning environments.
The event featured an engaging and insightful sessions by Nipun Jain (Project Associate), Aakar Saini (Project Associate), and Pankaj Saini (Project Assistant) from IIT Roorkee. It is pertinent to mention that UIET has already been a Nodal Centre for Virtual Labs since 2022 and one faculty member namely Er. Sandeep Raj has been acting its Nodal Coordinator.
The program consisted of development session and hands on session followed by discussion and Q&A session. The objective was to demonstrate how virtual labs can complement traditional lab work in institutions where high end equipments are not available and further aid in enhancing the teaching-learning process. This workshop was a significant step towards embracing technology in education. It was beneficial for both faculty members and students as they got to know how to conduct laboratory experiments in a simulated environment, ensuring continuity in learning even when physical labs are inaccessible. The workshop was also attended by MCA students and faculty members of Kathua Campus of University of Jammu.
Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector, Kathua Campus (JU) in his message, praised the efforts of UIET and IIT Roorkee. He emphasized the importance of practical exposure to emerging technologies and encouraged students to actively participate in such knowledge-sharing events. He also stressed that such expert sessions play a crucial role in skill enhancement and motivating students to stay ahead in the competitive world of technology and innovation.
Dr. Rockey Gupta, I/c Principal, UIET also commended the initiative, highlighting the significance of such collaborations in equipping students with practical skills and exposure to emerging technologies. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the students and the dedication of the faculty members in making this workshop a success.
The proceedings of the workshop were carried out by Er. Pallvi Verma and formal vote of thanks was presented by Er. Puneet Kour. Other faculty members who contributed for the seamless conduct of workshop include Er. Rakshit Khajuria, Er. Sourav Gupta, Er. Vishavjeet Singh, Dr. Vivudh Gupta, Er. Jewan Jot and Er. Sushant Gagal.
RAJOURI: In line with the recent amendments to the Registration of Births and Deaths Rules, 2022, issued by the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, Jammu and Kashmir, a one-day training program was organized here at the Auditorium of the office of Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
As per the amended rules, Superintendents, Medical Officers, and In-charge officers of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and other government health institutions have been designated as Registrars of Births and Deaths for their respective institutions.
The training program was conducted under the directions of the Chief Registrar of Births and Deaths, Jammu & Kashmir UT, with the objective of sensitizing and equipping the newly designated Registrars with the necessary knowledge and tools to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
The session was chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, who also serves as the District Registrar. Also present was District Statistics & Evaluation Officer (DSEO), Rajouri, who has been designated as the Additional District Registrar. The training was attended by Block Medical Officers, in-charge officers of 28 Government Health Institutions and the data entry operators.
Participants received detailed instruction on the role and responsibilities under the amended rules, documentation procedures, and real-time data entry. A live demonstration of the Civil Registration System (CRS) portal was provided by master trainers from the offices of the CMO and DSEO, ensuring hands-on exposure to digital registration procedures.
Speaking on the occasion, the CMO Rajouri emphasized the importance of timely and accurate registration of vital events and encouraged all participants to actively adopt the digital tools provided. The DSEO Rajouri also highlighted the role of robust data in planning and public policy formulation, urging strict adherence to the updated guidelines.
The training concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which the attendees clarified their queries and shared feedback to further streamline the implementation process at the grassroots level. The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the civil registration mechanism in Jammu & Kashmir UT and ensuring improved service delivery and governance in the health sector.
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir today joined the rest of the nation in commemorating the National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) 2025 with unprecedented enthusiasm and overwhelming public participation. More than one lakh people from across 4,291 Gram Panchayats took part in the vibrant programmes held at the Panchayat, Block and District level, reaffirming the Union Territory’s commitment to grassroots democracy and community driven development.
The national highlight was a historic event at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Bihar’s Madhubani district, presided over by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister called for a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, offering prayers and condolences to the bereaved families.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also presented the National Panchayat Awards, recognizing best-performing Panchayats from across the country for their excellence in governance and development. The NPRD 2025 observance also commemorated the continued legacy of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which institutionalized Panchayati Raj in India and empowered local self-governance at the village level.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the celebrations focused on promoting transparency, accountability and citizen participation. Gram Sabhas were held across the UT, with a special focus on Water Management & Conservation, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and awareness campaigns under Nasha Mukt Bharat to address drug addiction.
In a strong show of unity, districts across the UT passed unanimous resolutions at District, Block and Panchayat level condemning the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The resolutions reflected the collective grief, outrage and unwavering resolve of the people to stand against terrorism. A live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address was arranged in Gram Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring wide viewership and participation.
Director, Panchayati Raj, J&K, Sham Lal, lauded the efforts of all districts in organizing special Gram Sabhas and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment towards strengthening grassroots democracy. “We are committed to the development of all Panchayats and will ensure that the benefits of democracy reach every corner,” he asserted. On the National Panchayati Raj Day, PM Modi presented National Panchayat Awards, recognizing and incentivizing best-performing Panchayats.
JAMMU: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has assured the people that those responsible for the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent citizens in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir will soon get a befitting reply to their nefarious acts on Indian soil.
Delivering a memorial lecture on the Marshal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh in New Delhi on April 23, 2025, Raksha Mantri reiterated India’s firm resolve of zero tolerance against terrorism and stated that the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will take every necessary and appropriate step.
“India is an old civilisation and such a big country can never be intimidated by any such terror activities. Every Indian is united against this cowardly act. Not just those who perpetrated the attack, but even those who conspired from behind the scenes to commit such nefarious acts on the Indian soil will soon get an appropriate response,” said Shri Rajnath Singh
In the context of cross-border-supported terrorist incidents, Raksha Mantri said “History is witness to the withering away of nations not due to the action of the adversary, but due to the result of their own misdeeds. I hope people across the border look at lessons of history more closely”.
Shri Rajnath Singh expressed deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the terror attack at Pahalgam. “Our country has lost many innocent citizens in a cowardly attack by terrorists targeting religion. This extremely inhuman act has left us in deep pain. In this hour of grief, I pray for peace to the departed souls,” he said.
Later, Raksha Mantri paid rich tributes to the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, terming his leadership, vision and dedication as incredible. “He was a visionary military leader who, even today, inspires the youth. If today IAF is one of the world’s strongest air forces, it is because of the vision and ethos of military leaders like Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh described the journey of IAF as an aspiring, inspirational, and transformational epic, which is not just about touching the sky, but also turning the dreams of national security into reality. He stated that, despite challenges, IAF has grown stronger post-independence, and is today contributing significantly to national security as a strong pillar.
Raksha Mantri emphasised that the Government’s focus is on transforming the Armed Forces on the back of a self-reliant defence ecosystem. He reiterated the commitment towards establishing IAF as a dominant power in the region, stating that the journey towards Aatmanirbharta is a shared responsibility. Commitment, collaboration and unified vision is the need of the hour, he said. He added that India’s national security will further strengthen if IAF is well-equipped and highly technology-oriented.
Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that national security cannot be ensured through import dependency, and the Government is working relentlessly towards achieving defence sovereignty. He stated that emphasis is being laid on manufacturing defence equipment within the country and the efforts of Ministry of Defence are yielding positive results. He termed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Light Utility Helicopter Prachand, Akash & BrahMos Air Defence weapons as shining examples of the capability of Indian designers, engineers and scientists.
“Today, not only has there been unparalleled growth in defence manufacturing in the public sector, the private sector is also participating with great enthusiasm. As the field of defence production is becoming technology-oriented, the role of start-ups and MSMEs is also increasing rapidly. These are proving to be the backbone of defence innovation. In the times to come, the role of the private sector, start-ups and MSMEs in high-tech warfare is going to increase even more,” said Raksha Mantri.
Terming aero-engine development as a priority area of the Government in view of the needs of IAF, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the effort is to make the engine in India on the model of co-development and co-production with full intellectual property rights. He added that special attention is being paid to the development of fifth generation fighter aircraft and LCA Mark-2. He further highlighted that self-reliance has been achieved to a large extent on many air defence systems, including Astra Mark-2, Pralay, SMART, anti-field weapon, NG Anti-radiation missile, and Very Short Range Air Defence System, and these are at various stages of production and development.
Raksha Mantri emphasised that due to the shift of power dynamics to Asia in the 21st century, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the most important region strategically, and the Government is leaving no stone unturned to address the complex challenges emanating from a fluid international order and technological revolution. He pointed out that the revolutionary breakthrough in the field of technology, including the growing use of Artificial Intelligence, Hypersonic Directed Energy weapons, Quantum Computing, drones, cyber & space tech, have brought unpredictability and lethality in modern-day warfare, making it unconventional & even more uncertain. He voiced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to tackle these challenges and uncertainties.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the senior civil & military officials and serving and retired IAF personnel were among those present on the occasion.
JAMMU: In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Kashmir, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has moved swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of affected tourists and victims.
The Minister personally spoke to the Home Minister and is monitoring the situation round the clock, working in close coordination with relevant authorities. As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged, with additional flights kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs.
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu also held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a strong advisory against surge pricing. Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time.
Additionally, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has directed all airlines to extend full cooperation for the transportation of deceased individuals to their respective home states, working in sync with state governments and local authorities. The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains on high alert and committed to extending every possible assistance to those affected.
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