EDUCATION

The recent surge of interest in apocalyptic prophecies has been reignited by a curious phenomenon surrounding red cows and ancient rituals, prompting widespread speculation about an impending cataclysm. Throughout history, humanity has harbored a persistent fascination with the notion of "the end of the world," a fixation deeply ingrained in both religious beliefs and psychological tendencies. Over the past fifteen years alone, numerous dates have been earmarked as potential harbinger of the apocalypse, including May 21, 2011; December 21, 2012; and September 23, 2017, among others, however, none of these predictions have come to fruition. Surveys indicate that approximately 41 percent of Americans anticipate the return of Jesus by the year 2050, while a similar proportion of Musl...

Hundreds of 12th standard students on Wednesday were left to lurch as JKBOSE distributed 11th standard question paper to the students during examination. The news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) spoke to some of the examination in-charges and candidates appearing in the annual regular exams of class 12th who expressed concern about the lackadaisical approach of the Board authorities. One of the students said that the exam pattern of the Physical Education was entirely different as was shown and notified by the Board. "Ironically, only two marks were taken from the 12th standard syllabus. Rest of the question paper of 12th standard was set from 11th standard syllabus," she said. One of the examination in-charge said that students in the center were crying, while even a couple o...

As Ramadan dawns upon the Islamic world, this sacred month serves as a reminder not only to exhibit love and compassion towards the vulnerable but also to advocate and stand up for their rights. Alongside men from the Islamic history, women have played a significant role in spreading of Islam and it's message. The role of women, however, is discussed acknowledged in our societies. Many of you would be surprised to know that the first martyr in the modern Islamic history was a woman named Sumayyah bint Khayyat—a towering figure in Islamic history whose story resonates profoundly. Not just that, she is one of the first seven people to have accepted Islam. Born in the vibrant land of Habashah, Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), Sumayyah entered this world nearly two decades before the ...

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Tuesday postponed annual examination of 10th standard of Vocational Subjects slated on March-07. The board said that the vocational examination slated on March-07 in soft zones shall be held on April-04. According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Director Academics of JKBOSE in a notification said, “In view of unavoidable circumstances the examination of Vocational Subjects including agriculture, apparels, makeup and home furnishing, automotive, beauty and wellness, health core, IT& ITES. Physical Education & Sports, Plumbing/ Retail, security, telecommunication, tourism and hospitality, electronics and hardware of Secondary School Examination (Class 10th) Session Annual (Regular)2024 of Soft Zone areas o...

Arjamand Mushtaq, a research scholar at Kashmir University's Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI), has been honored with the prestigious Chandrasekhar Memorial Award for her remarkable contributions to Biomedical Sciences. This award, bestowed upon two women scientists annually, celebrates their scientific achievements in Biosciences and Biotechnology, accompanied by a cash prize of rupees 2 lakhs and a certificate. The award ceremony will take place at IIT Kanpur on February 28, 2024, coinciding with National Science Day. Under the mentorship of Dr. Altaf Bhat, Coordinator at CIRI, Kashmir University, Arjamand Mushtaq pursued her Ph.D. and made significant strides in understanding Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and elucidating genome stability mech...

Renowned Pahari and Urdu writer Raja Nazar Bonyari has passed away at the age of 77 in Mumbai, where he was undergoing treatment for health issues, including kidney complications and pneumonia. Born in Boniyar (Baramulla), Bonyari, whose real name was Abdul Qayoom Khan, discovered his passion for writing at a young age. After completing his education at the University of Kashmir, he dedicated himself to teaching, retiring as a headmaster in 2007. Throughout his career, Bonyari authored over a dozen books in both Pahari and Urdu literature, gaining international recognition, with one of his works translated into Russian in 1972. He also showcased his talents as an anchor and singer on platforms such as DD Kashir and Radio Kashmir Srinagar. Survived by two daughters after his ...

Dr. Syed Shaheeb Razvi, a towering figure in the realms of science, literature, and linguistics, breathed his last earlier this week, leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions and intellectual prowess. Dr. Shabeeb Rizvi, also an elegy reciter, who was a qualified BUMS doctor, breathed his last at his residence in Kathi Darwaza, old Srinagar, following a prolonged illness. His demise has left a void in the hearts of many who admired his talents and respected his medical expertise. Born to Syed Mawaiaz Hussain in Zaidpora near Lucknow, Dr. Rizvi later made Kashmir his home during his youth. Over the years, he resided in various localities across the city before finally settling in Kathi Darwaza. He embraced the culture and traditions of Kashmir, evidenced by his marriage ...

School Education Department has claimed that in the past five years the dropout rate among the students have decreased by more than 32 percent in comparison to the years prior to 2019. It said that till the academic year 2023-24, the dropout rate among at high school level has decreased by 32.25 percent. According to the official figures accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), prior to 2019 there was a dropout rate of 18.48 percent among the students of high school level. However, it also reveals that in the past five years that dropout rate has reduced to only 5.96 percent at high school level. The official documents also reveal that under the ‘AAO SCHOOL CHALEIN’ campaign launched in 2020-21, at least 70.000 students were enrolled in 2020-21. “But in 2022-...

Dr. Nadeem Shabir, an Assistant Professor at the Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has successfully secured a substantial grant of Rs 1.4 crore from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This significant funding, spanning a three-year period from February 2024, has been earmarked for a pioneering research project focused on unraveling the transmission patterns of Avian Influenza in the picturesque region of Jammu Kashmir. The primary objective of this groundbreaking project is to meticulously map out the transmission pathways of Avian Influenza, colloquially known as bird flu, in the region. The research project will specifically de...

A 30-year-old Kashmiri youth has reintroduced the concept of ‘books by kilo’ in Srinagar. The initiative launched by Saniyasnain Chiloo, a young entrepreneur from Srinagar, has reignited the passion for books, promoting the culture of reading within the Kashmiri community. “Books are sold for cheaper outside Kashmir or online platforms like Amazon, and hence people prefer to purchase from there. With the intention of convenience, the system of selling books per kilograms can make the life of students and youth of Kashmir easier. Everyone should enjoy the passion for reading at a lower price,” Saniyasnain Chiloo said. He said that the concept aims to make literature more accessible and affordable for the local community, particularly the students and people facing financial restric...