NIGEEN
Greater Kashmir, the state’s largest circulated newspaper, completed its 25 years in print journalism. The newspaper organized a function at Nigeen Club, Srinagar to mark the celebrations. Apart from prominent figures like parliamentarian Asadudin Owaisi and constitutional expert AG Noorani, the function was attended by a number of mainstream and separatists leaders. Besides, bureaucrats and journalists too were the part of the grand celebration of the newspaper’s silver jubilee. All the journalist federations across the border felicitated the organization for its contribution in journalism. Those who attended the discussion were surprised at the composition of the gathering. Newspaper can be a great leveller, sometimes!
CHINA
The latest stand-off between the Chinese and Indian Army in Ladakh notwithstanding, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs will sent a delegation to China as a ‘goodwill gesture’. The delegation comprising four members from Jammu and Kashmir include the famed IAS topper, Shah Faesal, and National Youth awardee in Social Service by Ministry of Youth Affairs, Raja Abdul Waheed. Two NSS category youth will be joining them as well. While the purpose behind the visit remains shrouded in mystery, the official comminique suggests that the tour will be beneficial to discuss the diverse culture of the two countries. Whether the tour is the overt beginning of Track-II diplomacy remains to be seen.
LONDON
‘The star of Kashmir’, the Kashmir sapphire, smashed all records after it was sold for the highest per carat price of a sapphire in London. The 19.88 carat cushion-shaped sapphire’s auction by Christie’s saw it being sold for a whopping $ 3,483,017 or nearly Rs 20 crore. ‘The star of Kashmir’ is believed to be a part of an exclusive family of the rarest Kashmir sapphires ever to be offered at an auction. This superb gemstone combines an exceptional size with a richly saturated and homogenous cornflower blue colour that is highly desired in Kashmir gems.
ANANTNAG
Beware! It took a picture on social networking site Facebook for the authorities to nail the culprit. Bashir Ahmed Bhat, a government teacher, posted at Government Primary School in Kasnaad village was suspended after his photo was uploaded by some local residents on the social networking site which showed him in a relaxed pose in his office chair while his students were massaging his legs and feet. The photo went viral on social networking site and probably caught attention of the authorities. Hundreds of users prompted Department of Education to take action. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the Zonal Education Officer concerned visited the school, ordered an inquiry and acting quick suspended the school teacher.
MUMBAI
Bollywood is back. Imtiaz Ali, a film-maker arrived in Kashmir to shoot his film ‘Highway’. Imtiyaz is accompanied by his cast- Aalia Bhatt and Randeep Hoda. The shoot was scheduled for about three days in a dense forest about 2 kms away from Aru Valley, Pahalgam. It is said that Ali is filming a Gujjar Basti which is home to the shepherd community in the region. The track requires at least 50 personnel of Jammu & Kashmir police to pitch in. Of late, Imtiyaz was here with the cast and crew of ‘Rockstar’ which went on to become a hit!
SRINAGAR
In its Platinum Jubilee year, Jammu and Kashmir Bank has posted a net profit of Rs 1055.10 crore for the year 2012-13, against Rs 803.25 crore for the previous financial year, registering a growth of 31.35%. Its Board of Directors recommended a special dividend of 500% as against previous year’s 335% dividend. Against the regulatory norm of 70% the NPA Coverage Ratio of the J&K Bank is at 94.01% for the year ending March 2013. Besides, during the year 2012-13, the bank opened 70 new Business Units, thereby increasing its network to 685 while as 105 ATMs were commissioned during this period, taking their number to 613.
JAMMU
It is a typical case of law-implementing agencies turning law breakers. The state police have registered a case against Rajini Sehgal for making an under-trial prisoner sit in the IGNOU exams conducted on June 25, 2012, in her place at District Jail Ampbhalla. Sehgal, a Superintendent of Kot Balwal jail, has been put under suspension after Sanaullah Ranjan, a Pakistani prisoner was attacked in his jail. Besides, Vinod Kumar, the then Superintendent of District Jail Ambphalla, was also booked at Pacca Danga police station for helping Sehgal to pass the exams. Sehgal and Kumar have been charged with committing forgery, fraud, impersonation and unfair means. The duo could be arrested during the course of investigations, the police said.
JK cements recorded a business turnover of Rs. 116 crores during 2012-13.
JKLF fund raising campaign collected Rs. 2 lakh 65 thousand for the earthquake victims of Chenab Valley.
