Raja Syed Rather

Dr. Syed Aalishan Fatima becomes the first female from J&K to crack the prestigious DM Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology at AIIMS Delhi — Rank 3 in INI-SS on her very first attempt

Attention Please

"I've lost the number plate of my vehicle with registration number DL1CS 7474 from Ganderbal to 90ft road. If anyone finds it, please return it to me at 9906471368

A few days ago, a video went viral on social media showing a minor boy dangerously operating a load carrier auto in Ganderbal, raising serious concerns about road safety and violations of traffic norms.

Acting swiftly on the viral footage, the enforcement team of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Ganderbal launched an investigation to identify the vehicle and the individual involved. As a result of the prompt and coordinated efforts, the said vehicle has been successfully seized today by the ARTO team.

The department reiterates that driving by minors is a punishable offense under the Motor Vehicles Act, and strict action will be taken against the vehicle owners or guardians who allow such violations. The public is also urged to refrain from encouraging or overlooking such acts, as they endanger lives and disrupt public safety.

We appreciate the cooperation of responsible citizens who brought the issue to light, and we remain committed to ensuring safer roads across the district.

Young entrepreneur establishes 1st VSTL in Kangan

Raja Syed Rather

Kangan, Jun 11 (KNO): In a remarkable step toward promoting agricultural innovation and empowering youth through self-employment, a 27-year-old Saqib Sidiq Mir from Thune village has successfully established the first-ever Village Soil Testing Lab (VSTL) in Kangan sub-division of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

Aimed at enhancing scientific farming practices and improving crop productivity, the lab became fully operational in the first week of May 2025. Its official inauguration was marked by the presence of the Director of Agriculture, Kashmir, underscoring the importance of the initiative in strengthening rural agri-tech infrastructure.

Hailing from a modest agricultural background, Saqib has been actively involved in farming alongside his family since childhood. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree, he continued helping on their farmland, eventually deepening his interest in sustainable agriculture during his postgraduate studies in Geography.

Motivated by his academic grounding and with technical guidance from the local Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), Iqbal, Saqib submitted a proposal in September 2024 to establish the VSTL. The proposal received approval from the district-level committee, and with 70% financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture, the lab was set up within two months.

While talking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Saqib said he felt privileged and honoured to have set up the first soil testing lab in our sub-division. “This initiative will not only aid local farmers in making informed decisions about their soil health and crop planning, but will also help me provide employment opportunities to at least two to three local youths.”

Reflecting on the broader vision behind the initiative, Saqib added, “I always believed that real change begins at the grassroots. With this lab, we’re not just testing soil—we’re cultivating a future of smart, informed farming.”

The lab is one of only four such facilities across Ganderbal district, making it a valuable resource for farmers seeking scientific support in their agricultural practices. Saqib extended heartfelt thanks to the Agriculture Department for its support and reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting the local farming community.

With his pioneering effort, Saqib Sidiq Mir stands as a testament to how dedication, education, and innovation can empower rural youth and transform traditional agriculture through modern science—(KNO)