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Chandpora, June 22 — In a thrilling final of the Harwan Chandpora Cricket League, Brother Eleven emerged victorious over Hamza Cricket Club with a convincing 30-run win at the Chandpora ground.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Brother Eleven posted a competitive total of 163 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Tehseen Dar was the standout performer with the bat, contributing a solid 56 runs.

In response, Hamza Cricket Club struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 133 runs, falling short of the target.

Afaan Wani of Brother Eleven stole the show with his all-round performance, earning both the ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Series’ honors.

The final match drew a large crowd, with hundreds of cricket enthusiasts turning out to witness the contest. Socio-political activist Peer Bilal graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of sports in youth development, stating that it fosters discipline, teamwork, and a competitive spirit.

The tournament concluded on a high note, celebrating not just the spirit of the game but also community participation and youth engagement.

 


JAMMU, JUNE 22: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya chaired a meeting of senior officers today to review the flood preparedness and mitigation measures in the district ahead of the monsoon season.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh, Sub Divisional Magistrates, officers from the Flood Control Department, PHE, PWD, Health, Police and other concerned departments.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner took a detailed review of the status of flood protection works, availability of machinery and readiness of the disaster response teams. He directed the concerned departments to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing works related to flood management and to keep all necessary equipment in a state of readiness.

The DC emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination and directed the officers to identify vulnerable areas, particularly low-lying and flood-prone zones, and to take all precautionary measures to safeguard life and property. He further instructed the Health Department to keep medical teams and ambulances on standby and to ensure adequate stock of essential medicines.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for regular monitoring of water levels in rivers and nallahs and called for the establishment of control rooms at the district and tehsil levels for prompt response to any emergency situation. He also directed the officials to spread awareness about safety measures during floods.

 


JAMMU, JUNE 22: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, inaugurated a plantation drive in Hiranagar the other day.

The event, held in collaboration with the Forest Department, witnessed wide participation from students, youth volunteers, environmentalists, government officials and locals.

MLA Hiranagar and several prominent local dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said that the environmental health of Jammu and Kashmir, especially areas like Hiranagar with a delicate ecological balance, requires continuous and committed efforts from all stakeholders. He emphasized that large-scale afforestation and community involvement are key towards safeguarding the region against deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity and climate change.

plantation drive

" Forests are not merely natural assets; they are lifelines that sustain biodiversity, conserve water and purify the air. In the face of climate change and increasing environmental threats, it is our moral duty to plant more trees and protect what nature has blessed us with,” said the Minister.

The Minister also reiterated his government’s commitment to green initiatives, noting that various departments under his charge, particularly Youth Services & Sports, will be directed to actively promote the environmental awareness and eco-friendly practices among the youth. He stressed the need to inculcate the values of environmental stewardship through school and college-level programs, including nature camps, eco-clubs and green volunteering activities.

Satish Sharma appreciated the efforts of the Forest Department and local administration for organizing the plantation campaign and called for such drives to be made a seasonal movement rather than a one-time activity.

MLA Hiranagar, while addressing the gathering, assured full cooperation in mobilizing the local resources for long-term ecological restoration.

Several community leaders also shared their views and pledged to support future plantation efforts in the area.

SDM Hirangar, RTO Kathua, District Youth Services Sports Officer and senior officers of forest department and other allied departments were also present.

 


JAMMU, JUNE 18: The first batch of 62 students of Government SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu successfully completed their summer internship at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI).

The students pursuing Bachelors in Business Management (BBA) from the Government Sri Pratap Memorial Rajput College of Commerce (SPMR), Jammu underwent a 10-day (60-hour) internship, which commenced on June 4, 2025, at Bari Brahmana campus of the institute. As per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines, the internship program aimed at developing the entrepreneurial and research acumen among students, research aptitude and teamwork skills.

During the program, the students were introduced to the role and functioning of the JKEDI. They gained exposure to the program verticals of the institute, all aimed at promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career choice in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

At the valediction ceremony, the Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Khalid Jahangir who also holds the charge of Director JKEDI, addressed the students. He encouraged the interns to adopt an innovative mindset in embracing entrepreneurship, expressing hope that many would become future entrepreneurs and startup founders. He also invited the students to participate in an upcoming Idea Generation Competition being organized by the institute under J&K Startup Policy 2024-27. On the occasion, internship certificates were also handed over to the interns upon successful completion of the program.

The internship program was conducted by a team of expert faculty of the JKEDI who under the overall supervision of Director JKEDI.

 

Reviews functioning of J&K Handicraft, Handloom Corporation

SRINAGAR JUNE 18: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today reviewed functioning of the Handicraft and Handloom Corporation in Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

The Managing Director JKHHC briefed about functioning of both the Corporations along with physical and financial achievements besides the issues being faced by both the Corporations. He apprised the meeting regarding performance of showrooms, liabilities, financial profits/loss and future plans.

The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the JKHC for managing the salary and other components from the own revenue generation. He also lauded the Corporation for reviewing the revenue generation of individual showrooms/branches of J&K Handicrafts Sales & Export Corporation all over the country.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to submit a comprehensive statement of the loss making showrooms, so that, appropriate steps shall be taken to make them profitable.

Surinder Choudhary asked the MD JKHHC to focus on making the Corporations profitable. He asked for considering initiatives like branding of products, awareness among people, hiring of good salesmen and selection of prominent location of showrooms.

 During the discussions, the Deputy Chief Minister also took up the issues of pending statutory liabilities of retired employees of the Corporation and promotion of in service employees. He directed the Managing Director to make seniority list of all Cadre wise employees followed by the constitution of DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) to resolve the long pending issues on priority basis.

Surinder Choudhary also appreciated the proposals suggested by the Commissioner Secretary and Managing Director JKHC regarding opening of new showrooms within the country and abroad. He also suggested to participate in the fourth Coming International Exhibitions to explore more market opportunities.

The Deputy Chief Minister called for development of a complete ecosystem from production to distribution, stressing that this would help in achieving the desirable goal.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh; Secretary in Industries & Commerce Department, Khalid Jahangir; Managing Director JKHHC, Atul Sharma besides other senior officers from both the Corporations.

 


The United States and Iran have a long and complex history of tension, spanning decades. From the US's role in the overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mosaddegh in 1953 to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran, relations between the two countries have always been tumultuous. In recent years, Iran's nuclear program and its growing regional influence have further escalated tensions. The situation became even more precarious after the US unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018 and imposed stringent sanctions on Iran. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has exacerbated this situation, increasing the possibility of a major military conflict in the Middle East.


Current Situation and Latest Developments

Recent escalating military confrontations between Israel and Iran have made the question of direct US involvement even more relevant. According to the latest reports, the US has not explicitly stated whether it will attack Iran, but sources indicate that the US has a complete attack plan ready. US fighter jets and refueling aircraft have either arrived or are on their way to the Middle East. This development comes at a time when Israel is continuously attacking Iran's nuclear and military sites, and Iran has also prepared to target US military bases if it perceives the US is supporting Israel.

Donald Trump, currently the US President, has publicly supported diplomacy, but his recent statements suggest he might also back military action. He has warned Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though he stated he currently does not wish to eliminate him. The apprehension among US officials about further escalation of the war is growing, as Israel is pressuring the White House to join its campaign against Iran.


Diverse Perspectives and Key Facts

·         US Stance: The US administration has publicly stated its commitment to a diplomatic solution with Iran, especially regarding its nuclear program. However, increasing military presence in the region and issuing warnings to Iran are seen as a pressure tactic to bring Tehran to the negotiating table. The US also believes that if it attacks Iran's Fordow nuclear site, Iran-backed Houthi rebels would launch attacks on ships in the Red Sea, impacting global trade.

·         Iran's Stance: Iran has made it clear that it will retaliate strongly against any attack. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened that the US will "suffer" if it attacks. Iran has prepared missiles for US bases, and its supported militia groups could attack US military installations in Iraq and Syria. Iran also claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that Iran has violated the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has enriched enough uranium to potentially build nuclear bombs.

·         Israel's Stance: Israel views Iran's nuclear program as a direct existential threat and is prepared to take military action to dismantle it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to launch attacks on Iran's nuclear and military sites. Many experts believe that Israel wants to draw the US into this conflict.

·         Expert Opinions:

o    Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association states that Trump has opposed the use of military force as long as diplomacy was ongoing.

o    Ali Ansari, Professor of Iranian History at St Andrews University, believes the US was aware of Israeli attacks and wants Israel to lead. He also thinks that the threat of a US attack might compel Iran to negotiate.

o    Some experts argue that regime change in Iran is not a solution to the nuclear proliferation problem, as it is uncertain what would follow.

o    Nefiod, who served as Director for Iran on the US National Security Council, states that the withdrawal from the JCPOA directly contributes to the current situation.


Critical Analysis

The current tensions between the US and Iran have reached a dangerous point. Both sides are issuing threats and demonstrating their military capabilities. Israel's aggressive stance could pull the US into a war it likely doesn't want. The Trump administration's approach is complex, involving both diplomacy and military pressure. However, concerns about Iran's nuclear program are real, and Iran's increased uranium enrichment has exacerbated these worries.

It's crucial to understand that any major military conflict in this region would have devastating geopolitical consequences. It could lead to surging oil prices, destabilize the global economy, and ignite widespread violence across the Middle East. Iran-backed militia groups could become active, posing a threat to US interests and its allies in the region.


Based on my analysis, I believe that while the possibility of a direct military conflict between the US and Iran has increased, it can still be entirely avoided. Israel's aggressive posture has made the situation extremely volatile, and the pressure on the US from Israel is quite strong. However, the US still has an opportunity to find a diplomatic solution.

The restoration of the nuclear deal, even in a revised form, would be the most effective way to de-escalate tensions and control Iran's nuclear program. While military action might offer short-term gains, the long-term consequences would be catastrophic. It would destabilize the entire region and lead to unpredictable outcomes.

It's imperative that the US, in conjunction with its allies, adopts a strategy that not only addresses the Iranian nuclear threat but also focuses on a broader regional security framework. This should include addressing Iran's regional behavior and providing security guarantees for all parties. War serves no one's interest, and diplomacy and dialogue are the only sustainable solutions to this complex problem. The global community must consider all possible measures to avert this crisis.

 


New Delhi, June 18: In a moment of pride and recognition, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, one of India’s most respected academics and policy thinkers, was honoured during a prestigious ceremony commemorating five years of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The landmark event celebrated the growing collaboration between the two nations and paid tribute to individuals who have played a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing this vital bilateral relationship.


Held in the presence of senior dignitaries, diplomats, and thought leaders from both countries, the felicitation ceremony recognised Prof. Mattoo’s enduring contribution as a bridge of understanding, cooperation, and strategic trust between India and Australia. A renowned international affairs scholar and former Advisor to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Prof. Mattoo has long championed the cause of deeper academic, cultural, and strategic ties between the two democracies.

Prof. Mattoo was the inaugural Director of the Australia India Institute both at the University of Melbourne and at its New Delhi Chapter, where he played a transformative role in shaping the intellectual and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. He also holds the position of Honorary Professor at the University of Melbourne, further solidifying his influence and commitment to Indo-Australian collaboration in higher education and public policy.


The event witnessed Prof. Mattoo being presented with a token of honour and appreciation on stage, amidst resounding applause. Expressing his emotions on social media, Prof. Mattoo shared, “A deep honour, humbling & overwhelming.”

Over the years, Prof. Mattoo has been instrumental in forging robust partnerships across educational institutions, think tanks, and policy circles. His visionary leadership has led to several high-impact academic and policy exchanges that have enriched the strategic relationship between India and Australia.

Launched in June 2020, the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has since evolved into a multifaceted framework encompassing cooperation across defence, trade, education, technology, and regional security. Honouring Prof. Mattoo at this milestone celebration is a testament to the impact of individuals who have laid the intellectual and strategic foundations of this vital global partnership.

 


Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Jammu organised two days Arya Maha Sammelan at SKUAST Auditorium chatha

JAMMU: As part of the ongoing preparations for the Arya Maha Sammelan being organised by Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, on 19th and 20th July at SKUAST Auditorium, Jammu, Narender Trehan, President of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, has been meeting key dignitaries to extend formal invitations for the event. During his visit to Ahmedabad, he met Sureshchandra Arya, President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, and in Gandhinagar, he called on Acharya Devvrat Arya, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat. 


Both dignitaries expressed their appreciation and confirmed their participation. Mr. Trehan also met Surendra Kumar, Managing Director of JBM Industry and Chairman of Gyan Jyoti Parv, at the corporate office in Gurugram, who assured his support and presence. The Arya Maha Sammelan aims to bring together Arya Samaj scholars, leaders, and followers from across the country for meaningful deliberations, cultural rejuvenation, and collective action inspired by the timeless teachings of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati.


 SRINAGAR, JUNE 18: Marking a decisive leap towards a more secure and digitally resilient administration, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, through its Department of Information Technology, successfully concluded a high-impact two day “Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) Workshop and Cybersecurity Exercise” at the prestigious Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).

This landmark initiative was organized in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

Amid an escalating cyber threat landscape, this capacity-building program was strategically tailored to equip the top government officials, Administrative Secretaries, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Information Security Officers (ISOs) and Nodal Officers with advanced knowledge and hands-on capabilities in cyber risk mitigation and crisis response.

The inaugural session was chaired by Minister for Information Technology, Satish Sharma.

The Minister emphasized the criticality of cybersecurity in delivering seamless and secure citizen services, calling the initiative a “pivotal milestone” in J&K’s digital governance journey.


Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Piyush Singla, Secretary, IT Department, stated: “In the present digital age, robust cyber security is not just a technical need but a pillar of good governance and public trust.” He urged the officers to adopt a proactive mindset and build cyber-resilient systems capable of withstanding modern threats.

The workshop featured a keynote address by Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, who highlighted the need for preventive strategies, inter-departmental synergy and continuous learning. He encouraged the officers to become “cyber warriors”, championing the cyber security in their respective domains.

Throughout the two day event, the participants engaged in expert-led sessions, policy discussions and simulation exercises designed to strengthen both technical competence and institutional preparedness. Topics included contemporary threat vectors, policy frameworks and development of customised departmental response strategies.

The program concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, featuring a special address by Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In. He praised the participants’ engagement and urged a shift from reactive approaches to proactive cyber resilience.

“Cyber security today demands rapid recovery protocols, continuous drills, and robust implementation of the Cyber Crisis Management Plan,” Dr. Bahl asserted, emphasizing the need for institutional muscle memory to tackle emerging threats.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Piyush Singla reiterated the importance of sustained training, awareness and collaboration.

The event concluded with vote of thanks by Mahima Madan, CEO, JaKeGA.

The Secretary IT appreciated workshop’s seamless execution by Rachna Sharma, Deputy Secretary, IT, who is Nodal Officer for Trainings and Capacity building, IT Department.

This workshop stands as a cornerstone in Jammu & Kashmir’s strategic alignment with the national Digital India mission. As cyber threats grow in frequency and complexity, the Government of J&K’s continued investment in such capacity-building initiatives reflects its unwavering commitment towards securing the digital infrastructure and reinforcing citizen trust in a digitally empowered governance ecosystem.