The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has announced the introduction of cutting-edge Master's and four-year Undergraduate programs aimed at students keen on exploring the realms of science and contemporary technology.

Under the auspices of the Schools of Sciences and Technology, these programs are meticulously crafted in alignment with the directives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, the courses will employ innovative teaching methodologies, providing students with multiple entry and exit options.

Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, emphasized the significance of these courses in meeting the demands of the modern job market.

He underscored their potential to enhance employability prospects for enrolled students, highlighting the integration of participants into early-stage innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Moreover, he stressed the university's commitment to facilitating experiential learning through robust industry-academia collaborations.

Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean of Academic Affairs, revealed that the Admission Notice for the academic session 2024 will be released shortly. Prospective candidates are advised to monitor the university's official website regularly for updates regarding application procedures and deadlines.

PULWAMA — In a significant development aimed at fostering innovation and driving the adoption of Industry 4.0 standards, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, to establish the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) at the university.

The initiative, facilitated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is set to establish a premier centre focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

The C4i4 is anticipated to catalyze an innovative ecosystem at the university and promote industrial growth through collaborations between the government, the industrial sector, and technology firms.

A delegation from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and C4i4, Pune, led by Director Shri Dattatraya Navalgundkar and Head of Operations Dr Rajesh Pahadi, visited IUST to formalize the establishment of the Center. IUST was chosen for this prestigious project, being one of 10 such centers nationwide, in recognition of its contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

The MOU signing event, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, saw the presence of officials from the Ministry of Heavy Industries, C4i4 Pune, and IUST, including Prof. A H Moon, Prof. W Bari, and Mr Sameer Wazir, the Director of CIED, along with heads of Engineering Departments.

Prof. Romshoo underscored IUST's commitment to bridging academia with industry and business to nurture skilled human resources. He highlighted the opportunity for India, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, to emerge as a manufacturing hub through digital transformation, thus enhancing the global competitiveness of local industries.

Prof. Romshoo emphasized the pivotal role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in equipping the youth with Industry 4.0 skills, leveraging India's demographic advantage.

Further emphasizing the growth potential in Jammu and Kashmir across various sectors like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics, Prof. Romshoo reaffirmed IUST's dedication to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.

Prof. A H Moon added that IUST's national recognition for its skilling and innovation initiatives through centers like the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), Design Innovation Centre (DIC), the KALAM Academy of Skill and Training, among others, would receive a significant boost through the establishment of C4i4.

PULWAMA — Two awareness programs on Start-Up Policy 2024-27 and Breast Cancer were organized today, highlighting critical initiatives for budding entrepreneurs and healthcare vigilance under the auspices of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).

The event about on Start-Up Policy, spearheaded by the CIED-IUST Foundation and the Department of Management Studies, was convened at the direction of the Vice Chancellor to disseminate knowledge regarding the newly introduced J&K Start-Up Policy.

Emphasizing its transformative potential, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, alongside Prof. Pervaiz Ahmad Mir, Director CIED, underscored the policy's provisions such as seed support, venture capital opportunities, and support for student entrepreneurs.

Participants, including industry experts, incubates, and students, were urged to seize the government's backing and foster successful business ventures. Additionally, emphasis was laid on extension initiatives to engage youth and provide comprehensive support encompassing incubation, innovation, technical assistance, and mentorship.

Concurrently, an awareness drive on Breast Cancer was conducted under the aegis of Interdisciplinary Research on Chronic Diseases, sponsored by PURSE.

Led by experts Dr Natasha Thakur and Dr Qayinat, discussions centered on the rising incidence, early screening significance, and advances in treatment modalities.

Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo chaired an interactive session between interdisciplinary PURSE researchers and medical experts, stressing the importance of collaborative research in combating such ailments.

Prof. A.H. Moon and Prof. Ayub Qadri engaged with attendees, highlighting the imperative of early detection and the promise offered by emerging technologies in medical sciences.

AWANTIPORA — Faza Zainab, a distinguished alumna of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora, has been bestowed with the title of Outstanding Media Person by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration in a ceremony marking Republic Day 2024.

The recognition comes as a testament to Zainab's exceptional contributions to the field of media and journalism after completing her Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at IUST in 2022.

Congratulating the accomplished alumna, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, expressed that hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of success. He extended his best wishes to Ms Faza for her future endeavours.

Dr Mujeeb Liyakat, Head of DJMC, commended Zainab's dedication to reporting and insightful storytelling, highlighting that she has set a benchmark for aspiring media professionals.

As an alumna, Faza Zainab continues to serve as an inspiration for current and future students of the department, encouraging them to strive for excellence in the dynamic and challenging field of media and journalism.

The Jammu and Kashmir Administration's acknowledgement of Faza Zainab on Republic Day underscores the significance of her achievements and the impact she has made in the realm of media.

AWANTIPORA — The Health Centre of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with Government Medical College, Anantnag, successfully organized a blood donation camp on the university campus today.

The event received an overwhelming response from students, faculty, university staff, officers, and members of the local community, resulting in the donation of approximately a hundred units of blood.

Under the distinguished patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, the programme commenced with an inauguration ceremony that highlighted the significance of organizing such blood donation camps, emphasizing how they bring forth happiness and promote harmony. The event was graced by the presence of Dean Academic Affairs Prof Manzoor Ahmad Malik and other esteemed university officers.

Expressing his views, Vice Chancellor Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo stated, "It is truly heartening to witness the remarkable turnout at this blood donation camp. Such initiatives play a crucial role in saving lives and creating a sense of unity within our community. The spirit and enthusiasm displayed by the participants are truly commendable."

The event also witnessed a substantial number of female donors, showcasing equal participation from both genders. Dr. Zahid Rasool, the Medical Officer overseeing the camp, expressed his satisfaction with the positive response and highlighted the significance of encouraging women to actively participate in such noble endeavors.

Blood donation camps serve as an essential platform for raising awareness about the importance of donating blood and saving lives. The success of this initiative at IUST further emphasizes the community's dedication to fostering a culture of compassion and solidarity.

AWANTIPORA — The Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) witnessed a remarkable turnout today as hundreds of prospective students from across the valley gathered on the campus for the much-anticipated Open Day event. Organized by the University's Academic Section, the event aimed to provide applicants with a firsthand experience of the facilities, laboratories, and interactions with students and teachers.

Various departments of IUST set up informative stalls, showcasing the latest technologies, course highlights, and future prospects. The enthusiastic students explored different facilities, including departmental laboratories, Rumi Library, and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED).

Applicants and parents were welcomed under canopies managed by different departments and research centers, encompassing diverse fields such as Management Studies, Computer Science, Economics, English Language and Literature, Food Technology, Islamic Studies, Vocational Studies, Mathematical Sciences, Architecture, Physics, Chemistry, Journalism and Mass Communication, International Relations, Political Science, Arabic Language and Literature, Engineering, and Computer Science.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo engaged with the students and their parents, emphasizing the significance of Open Day in facilitating informed career decisions. He encouraged prospective students to consider their interests, available facilities, and course options before making a choice.

Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, highlighted the importance of the event, stating that Open Day serves as a platform to showcase the university's infrastructure, faculty, and academic environment to parents and students. He emphasized IUST's commitment to producing job-ready graduates by imparting relevant knowledge and equipping them with the right set of skills.

The Open Day at IUST created a vibrant atmosphere, fostering curiosity and inspiring students to explore the vast opportunities awaiting them at the university.

PULWAMA — Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora on Thursday rolled out the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0) and inaugurated Kalam Academy of Skill Development and Training.

On this occasion, Alok Kumar (IRS), who was the chief guest, congratulated the IUST for its efforts towards the implementation of the skilling mission through the government's flagship programme.

Mr Alok Kumar said that the programme aims to bridge the skill gaps and guarantee the employability of the youth and contribute to the country’s march towards progress and prosperity. He further said that nothing is more empowering than acquiring skills which open up opportunities.

In his address, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo expressed thanks to the government for lending support to IUST in its initiatives. He said that in this age of innovation and entrepreneurship, where rapid technological advances create skill gaps, initiatives like PMKVY are significant.

Mr Shakil Romshoo outlined different measures being taken in the IUST at its Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, Design and Innovation Centre and cited the accomplishments made towards supporting the start-up ecosystem and inculcating innovative spirit among the youth.

He also spoke about National Education Policy 2020 implementation and said that emphasis at IUST is being laid on multidisciplinary learning, inculcation of innovative spirit, the introduction of vocational courses in different areas of contemporary relevance etc.

Later, the chief guest took a tour of the different facilities of the campus and appreciated the growth of the university. He visited CIED, departments of Food Sciences and Technology and Computer Science and Engineering and inaugurated the skill development programmes.

The Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department appreciated IUST on its achievements and congratulated the Vice-chancellor and Director CIED for a 3.5-star ranking awarded by the Institution's Innovation Council of the Ministry of Education, GoI, in recognition of the efforts towards the promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation and start-up culture.

It is in place to mention here that the programme was coordinated by the Dean of Research, Prof Ayaz Hassan Moon and attended by the Dean of Academic Affairs, Registrar, Finance Officer, Deans of Schools, and others.

SRINAGAR — Stating that there was nothing to worry over the frequent earthquakes in Jammu and Kashmir, the experts here on Saturday said that no one can predict the timing and intensity of the earthquake.

Professor ‪Shakil Ahmad Romshoo‬, a geologist, who is currently Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Sciences and Technology (IUST), while talking to the news agency KNO said that there is no mechanism available to predict the position, magnitude or timing of the earthquake.

“The places where back-to-back earthquakes are being reported in the past 6-7 days have also witnessed 39 back-to-back foreshocks in the year 2013 and even one among them was measuring 6, but there was no major earthquake then after,” Romshoo said.

He further added that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are very vulnerable from an earthquake point of view, but it is not possible that foreshocks will lead to a major earthquake.

However, he said that keeping in view the vulnerable area from an earthquake point of view, the people should take long-term measures like houses, schools, hospitals and other places should be made earthquake resistant for which everybody has to play a role.

Assistant Professor, Rakesh Chandra, who currently works at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, said that it is a fact that a lot of energy is accumulated below the Kashmir Himalayas, which is the outcome of the Kangra earthquake in 1905 and the Muzaffarabad earthquake in 2007. “The energy below Kashmir Himalayas will get released through earthquakes only, but no one can predict the timing and intensity of the earthquake."

“There are chances of energy release through an earthquake, but it can be low intensity or major also, which is a natural process, whatever it is inside, it has to come out,” he said, adding that nobody can predict when the earthquake is going to occur.

About the frequent earthquakes, he said that it is good that the energy is released without any harm to the property as well as the life. “Instead of having major earthquakes, it is better to witness low-intensity jolts for the release of energy. There is nothing to worry about earthquakes, it is a natural phenomenon. I just want to appeal to people that they should get aware of the earthquake rather than be in a panic,” he said.